When we hear words like:
“Great job! You have worked hard” ...we may want to work even harder.

When we hear words like:
“ Shut up! What do you think you’re doing?” ...we may not venture a try the next time.

When we are given a caring touch on the shoulder or a hug that says someone cares ...we may feel good about who we are and think good thoughts.

When we are yanked by the shirt or arm and told to sit down and shut up ...we may feel we have done something wrong by simply being.

Self-esteem is the degree to which children feel accepted and valued by adults and peers who are important to them. The development of a sense of self is very complex. It is developed from within a person and shaped as well by the people around them (Katz, 1995). Being able to manage one’s own life, feelings, and decisions comes from the foundation of a strong sense of self. Being able to manage helps people cope when difficulties arise.

The development of self comes in phases and is shaped by experiences. Developing a sense of trust in the people who care for them is the first important stage of developing a sense of self in children. Children must learn to trust others so they in turn can learn to trust themselves. Adults who give warm, loving touches, cuddle their children, and answer their calls for what they need are providing the essential first ingredients to a healthy sense of self in their child-making the young one feel wanted, valued, and loved.

When children begin to toddle and walk, they need to have a safe, supportive environment to explore. It is a child’s job to explore and learn about things. Without this natural desire to touch, taste, and feel things around them, they could not learn or get ready for school. Children need a place where they do not have to hear over and over words like, “Stop, get down, or NO.” Childproof the environment, paying attention to safety while giving children bright, interesting playthings. These do not have to be costly. Even a cardboard box or plastic spoons and bowls will be interesting to children.

If children do not feel they can explore independently, they will feel ashamed and doubt their abilities. By about 18 months of age, children begin to be independent. Parents who expect this need for independence and do not begin a power struggle will be rewarded later with a child who is interested in and excited about learning on his or her own. These children will learn to depend on themselves and not on adults for every answer.

Young children begin to see themselves as separate from their parents as they acquire language. They begin to name themselves as “self” or “me” and use the word “mine,” often to an extreme. They are VERY self-centered and even think the world revolves around them until about age 7. They have difficulty thinking about another person’s point of view, and they even think others are thinking what they are thinking. Their brains are developing very rapidly, but they are still incomplete, and children simply cannot think like adults yet! They are impulsive, self-centered, and do not think through, nor plan, their actions. This is the critical stage for parents to be patient and work hard to set a positive example for what they want mirrored in their child. The groundwork that has been laid as a young child follows older children into adulthood.

Self-control, another part of the development of self, is first seen in bladder and bowel control. But it is not until about age 6 or 7 that children are better able to control behaviors like whining or fussing. With guidance, however, control eventually will come. In the meantime, talk to children about expectations for their behavior. Being a good role model works best. Telling them only once will not work, however. Telling and showing them many, many times will be required as they mature.

Parents and teachers of teens may want to persuade teens to give up the ever-common arguing for the sake of arguing. But arguing gives teens a chance to learn to express themselves appropriately while trying out their own theories. The identity phase strongly influences behavior during this time and is influenced by adults who are respected by youth who can accept or reject the teen’s personhood. Peer acceptance plays a large part in building a positive sense of self as well.

Feelings of self-worth are many-faceted. It is not just ONE big area. Adults and children alike may feel good about one aspect of themselves and not good about another. For example, children have feelings about how well they do in school, about how they make and keep friends, about their athletic abilities, their physical appearance, and their conduct or behavior. All of these aspects make up the total sense of self worth.

Many people believe that low self-esteem lies at the root of many of society’s problems (Katz, 1995). However, other studies on children’s school achievement argue that telling children how wonderful they are over and over can be counterproductive and actually make children perform worse. A study by Baumeister, Boden, and Smart (1996) found that achievement comes first and self-esteem follows.

This and other studies (Harter, 1983) lend caution against empty, self-building words to inflate a child’s ego (Shokraii, 2000). Remember the delicate balance. It is important to have meaningful communication with children, but be sure they learn to motivate themselves toward high performance without remarks from others.

Parents and caregivers can support children as they grow. Helping children learn to feel secure about them­ selves and helping them learn how to make decisions about everyday events will serve as solid footing for lifelong learning. Doing well in school, being able to manage feelings, and making friends and keeping them are all areas that must be learned. Children who are able to cope in these ways will feel positive about their abilities, and this will serve them well into adulthood.

Quickie Self-Esteem Builders

• Help your child plan and shop for a meal.

• Help your child identify a hobby.

• Talk about traditions.

• Get to know his/her friends.

• Visit libraries, museums, and parks together.

• Walk together.

• Spend quiet time together.

• Be available.

• Help your child learn good body habits, such as wash- ing hands and brushing teeth.

• Answer questions.

• Respect your child’s needs.

• Get to know your child’s teacher.

• Read together.

• Work on a chore chart together.

• Play a game together.

• Draw together, and talk about the drawings.

• Accept any answers about their stories or art.

• Look at a magazine together.

• Practice pouring, measuring, and scooping.

• Dance together.

• Play an imagination game.

• Use words like: “You’ve got what it takes, how clever, well done, I like you, that’s neat, you deserve a big hug, and you’re so smart!”

Summary of key concepts:

• The sense of self develops in phases.

• Being able to explore safely, children begin to test their limitations.

• Self-control is difficult for young children. Parents need great patience in the early years!

• Self-esteem has many parts, including how children feel about their schoolwork, athletic ability, their appearance, and behavior. One may be high and another low.

• Be sure that praise is genuine.

• Model the behaviors you want to build in your child.

• Name and talk about feelings.

Baumeister, R. F., J. M. Boden, and L. Smart. (1996). Relation of Threatened Egotism to Violence and Aggression: The Dark Side of High Self-Esteem, Psychological Review, Vol. 103, No. 1.

Ginott, Haim (1956). Between Parent And Child. New York: Avon.

Ginott, Haim (1969). Between Parent And Teenager. New York: Avon.

Harter, S. (1985). Self-perception profile for children. University of Denver.

Harter, S. (1983). Developmental Perspectives of the Self­ System. In Paul H. Mussen (Ed.) Handbook of Child Psychology Volume IV Socialization, Personality, and Social Development. Pp. 275-385).

Katz, L. (1996). How Can We Strengthen Children’s Self Esteem. ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education.

Katz, L. (1998). Self-esteem and Narcissism: Implications for Practice. EDO-PS-93-9. ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education.

Shokraii, N. H. The Self-Esteem Fraud: Why Feel-Good Education Does Not Lead to Academic Success. Center for Equal Opportunity.