Category: promoting self-esteem

Simple Ways to Encourage a Healthy Self-Esteem in Kids

Posted on | by KD Novelties

Self-esteem is something that many people need to work on. Some individuals naturally have a healthy self-esteem, but there are many others who struggle with self-image – especially children. Kids may have problems with the way that they see themselves, with their overall confidence in their abilities and with who they are for a number of reasons. Kids are still learning about themselves and their capabilities, and things like bullying may not help. It is important for parents to help their children navigate difficult issues such as these without letting them get too spoiled or over-entitled. So what is a parent to do?

Give them choices.
Showing confidence in your children is a great way to help them build self-esteem, but it also helps to impart them with even simple responsibilities. Allowing your children choices can help them to develop their own unique opinions, thoughts, and ideas. Something simple enough as offering your child a choice of different breakfast dishes to choose from can help them feel empowered and in control of their decisions.

Don’t do everything for them.
It can be difficult for parents to not step in when their child is having difficulties. Whether they are struggling with a puzzle or trying to figure something out, it’s important to exercise patience and allow them to develop a solution on their own. This is important for many reasons. Not only will your children begin to rely on themselves for their own resourcefulness, but they will also develop a strong sense of self. Having things handed to them all the time can be dangerous – it can lead to spoiled attitudes as well as difficulties facing any kind of failure in the future.

Remind them that people are human.
No one is perfect, and people make mistakes. Children may fret over these kinds of trip-ups but mistakes are great opportunities for learning. Things happen, and it is important that children understand that there is always room to improve and to get better. This can help your children when they make mistakes of their own but it can also help them become a better judge of others, as well.

Spend time with your children.
Whether you have one child or many, it is important that you spend one-on-one time with them. Parents are arguably the most important people in a child’s life, and knowing that they are worthy of your undivided attention when appropriate can help them to understand their importance as people. For parents with only one child, it’s important to remember to give your child space and allow them to spend time on their own as well. For parents with multiple kids, it’s important that you spend time with each child individually and that you are careful not to compare your children to one another, either. It’s important that you appreciate each one’s individuality. 

Incorporate positive words. Positive words/phrases can help boost kids self-esteem and self-image.  You should be telling your kids these positive phrases more often…

– good thinking
– keep it up
-you can do it
-nice going
-very proud
-much better
-thank you
-great choice
-well done
-keep trying
-great job
-I believe in you
-way to go
-you make me happy
-give me five
-super
-how kind

 Be sure to check out our parenting resources and personalized storybooks to boost self-esteem while promoting literacy.

10 Things Kids Want Their Parents To Do With Them

Posted on | by KD Novelties
Parent and child quality time is vital to every kid’s development and self-worth. It helps build character, builds a personal relationship between child and parent and helps kids form lasting and meaningful relationships with others as they grow older. There are countless benefits to this quality time and even kids know how important it can be. When kids tell their parents what they want from them, it does well to listen. Chances are it will benefit and enrich both child and parent in ways beyond measure.
Reading with kids

1.     Read to me! Reading is a wonderful way to spend personal time with children. Sharing this pastime helps kids develop an interest in and a love for reading, which can drastically help their academic success and promote a lifelong love of learning. Sharing a book together creates special memories that both parent and child will cherish forever. Personalized books from KD Novelties, can help create more unique reading memories and unique experiences to share with one another.

2.     Tuck me in at night and tell me stories! Sending kids off to bed with a proper goodnight is very personal and helps build an intimate relationship that will help kids as they grow older by helping them create meaningful relationships. Not only that, but it will help parents and children have meaningful relationships together that will last. Telling kids stories about when their parents were young gives them an idea of their parents childhood and will help bring them closer through these special personal moments shared.
3.     Play more often! Playing with kids and allowing them to play more can actually help their creativity and individuality. Giving their imagination exercise helps them develop key skills and by parents playing along with them, gives them an opportunity to teach them valuable lessons, in a fun atmosphere, while creating memories together.
4.     Spend more time with me, not just with my other brothers and sisters! Spending quality time with kids should be an individual experience. While it is still important to spend time as a family, spending time with each child individually helps develop their self worth and their unique sense of self. It also shows them that their parents care about who they are, what they like, and what makes them a special individual.
5.     Talk to me at dinner! Kids really benefit from conversation. Asking them about their day and hearing about their parents’ days help them feel like part of the family, and not just a kid. This also helps them develop confidence in their thoughts and feelings knowing that they are valued.
6.     Give me hugs and kisses more often! Showing affection regularly shows kids that they are loved and valued. Plus it always feels nice to know that someone cares, at any age.

Hugging makes kids feel special

7.     Discipline me when I need it! It may sound odd, but disciplining children when it is deserved shows that their parents care about their actions and decisions. This active role teaches kids about consequence and gives their fast developing lives more meaning and value. Give them reasons for the discipline and especially because you care. They won’t like it in the beginning but will be very thankful in the end.
8.     Share some of my favorite things with me! When parents spend time watching their children’s favorite shows, listening to their favorite music, and reading their favorite books with them, kids feel that their opinions are valued. It is also a great way to spend some quality time and grow close, getting to know what one another likes and dislikes.
9.     Leave me notes! Leaving personal messages in lunch bags or in their pockets when kids go off to school or daycare remind them that they are being thought of and that someone loves them.
10.  Take care of me and make sure I am healthy! Feeding kids healthy foods and being mindful of their health and well-being not only shows them that their parents care but it also helps them learn to take care of themselves as they grow older.

Teaching children valuable lessons while also building a strong personal bond with them will not only help them develop, but will enrich both parties involved. We urge you to listen to what your kids are saying and keep these pointers in mind.