Five ways to build self-esteem

  1. Express your love.  Tell your children that you love them and praise their talents.  Focus on your children's strengths.  Be positive and affirming.
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  2. Say yes to "no."  Teach your kids to say "no" to things they have learned are wrong or that can hurt them.  Encourage good decision making.  Give your children permission to make age appropriate choices.
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  3. Give your time.  Spend quality and quantity time doing things that your child enjoys.  Do one on one activities with your child.  Let children take turns deciding how to spend family time.
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  4. Walk in their shoes.  Put yourself in your child's place and ask yourself if your words and actions are building your child up or tearing him/her down.  Try to remember what it was like to be a kid and act with empathy.
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  5. Respect their feelings.  Teach your children to trust their instincts.  If someone or something makes them feel uncomfortable, encourage them to seek help from another adult.
 

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The mission of Family Resources is to prevent and treat
child abuse by strengthening families and neighborhoods.
141 S. Highland Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA  15206
www.familyresourcesofpa.org
info@familyresourcesofpa.org