Tip 1

Self-Esteem IS CONTAGIOUS

What can we do to develop our children's self-esteem? The answer is that SELF-ESTEEM IS CONTAGIOUS. Parents who have feelings of security and self confidence are likely to parent with self-esteem principles. They will likely instill the self-esteem they have...in their children. Parents who have negative self-concepts pass those on to their children. The most effective way to instill self-esteem in one's children is for the parents to develop it themselves.

Parents who spend real time with their children convey the message: YOU ARE IMPORTANT TO ME-and that is the major component of self-esteem. We are not talking about trips and outings. We are talking about getting down onthe floor and playing blocks, board games and piggy back rides. Finding out what's on their mind and what they are interested in is a crucial component of getting close with your child. Remember the defintion of Love: "If it's important to you-it's important to me".