|
The media is full of stories about the importance of building self-esteem
in children. Yet some reports suggest that many arrive at young adulthood with a high, but
unrealistic self-esteem. Those articles argue that youth are praised not for performing well,
but for just showing up.
Helping young people to become accomplished in life skills can put a
foundation under self-esteem. Adults can build this foundation by instilling:
-
Basic concepts of health and safety
-
Proficiency in daily activities related to food, clothes, and housework
-
How to communicate needs and wants (and identifying the difference)
-
How to choose the best option between alternative possibilities
-
Personal responsibility for choice outcomes
-
Familiarity with workplace expectations
-
Budgeting skills
-
Basic courtesy
-
Conflict resolution tactics
-
Moral reasoning
-
Study skills
Any thoughtful adult can assess what activities are developmentally appropriate
for each age, and with patience and persistence transfer that responsibility to youth. Often, the
adult in the family will decide that it is easier to just take care of the basics themselves than
it is to spend the time teaching the skill. And, it usually is easier in the short term? However,
in the long term, each skill learned by young people adds to their confidence that they can take
care of themselves. That fosters a self-esteem that is based on fact instead of on fiction.
Everyone wants to feel valued. Think about ways you can communicate your respect
and appreciation to the young people in your life. Statements like, "You're really good with colors,
why don't you set the Thanksgiving table," or "You've got a great head for details, I'm sure you're
going to figure out how to organize that project" go a long way toward building a foundation of
self-knowledge.
|
