Self Esteem

What Is Self-Esteem?

Self-esteem is best described as feeling good about yourself.

People with self-esteem:

• feel they are liked and accepted by others

• they take pride in their work and what they do
• They trust and believe in themselves

People with low self-esteem:

• feel bad about their abilities and themself
• are often hard or rigid on themselves
• Generally think they will never be good enough

Where Does Self-Esteem Come From?

Parents, teachers, and others   The people the child deems important in their life affects the child’s self-concept.  When they focus on the positive and good aspects, the child feels good about himself/herself.  When the important people are patient and caring, even if the child makes a mistake, they learn to accept themself as a valuable person. When children have several friends and get along together, they will develop a strong self-concept.

If the adults scold more than they praise, the child will not feel they are worthy. Bullying and mean teasing by siblings or peers  will also negatively affect self-esteem. Harsh words can replay in the child’s head, and become part of how they see themself. Fortunately, it doesn't have to stay that way.

The voice in your own head The things the child says to himself that repeat in the child’s head, play a big part in how they see themselves. Thinking, and repeating negative thoughts damages their confidence and self-esteem.