Back to school time is in full swing. Which means your children may be making new friends. Or maybe they are making enemies, at no fault of their own but because of the signature class bully. Bullies are a very real situation in classrooms all across the world. Talk to your children often about their student experience.
The more interaction you have with your child about their own life, the more secure they will feel. Children want to feel loved and nurtured. Many times parents are busy, and overwhelmed with adult “stuff” that a child’s feelings get left behind.
If you child is showing signs of low self-esteem, it may be a result of a bullying situation. Kids can be cruel, and children often internalize the name-calling and in some cases children turn to harmful habits to cure their emptiness. Help your child succeed in life by doing these 4 things.
Listen
Anyone who suffers from low self-esteem is often a result of experiencing a traumatic experience as a child, such as neglect, abuse or bullying. Victims of such situations often internalize the problem and begin to feel unworthy. If you are a parent or teacher who has a child who seems to have low self-esteem, the best thing you can do is listen to them. Give them space to talk and allow them to feel heard. This will help tremendously in their overall self-esteem.
Be Present
If a child doesn’t feel heard he or she cannot feel accepted, loved or approved of. Make it a priority to spend time with your loved one and listen to what they need to say. You can only be a good listener if you are present. Be present, which means giving your full attention to your child. You aren’t on your computer, or on the phone, or multitasking in any way. A child will feel loved when you sit listen and stay present with them.
Ask Questions
Children learn from adults. They learn what to do and what not to do. If they have questions, do your best to answer them. If a child suffers from low self-esteem, he or she may not ask questions because they might be shy and timid. If this is the case let them ask questions by asking them questions first, and engage with them. This will show them they are cared for.
Get into a Routine
Children who spend time with their parents often feel more loved. You can help improve your child’s self-esteem by starting the day together in a routine. Get up together, brush your hair, bursh your teeth and floss together. Your child will learn healthy habits by seeing you take care of yourself. A child’s self esteem is often related to their health. By practicing good oral care together they will learn how to smile more.
Author Byline – For more health advice visit Bethany Family Dental, a Dentist in Portland OR. Shannon Kaiser is a wellness writer.
Filed under: Guest Blog Tagged: bully, Child, Children Youth and Family, Health, Parent, Self-esteem, Violence and Abuse, Youth
