Self-esteem, as defined in Webster’s dictionary, is “a confidence and satisfaction in oneself… belief in oneself [and] self-respect”. It’s that warm, fuzzy feeling that tells us, “Hey, I’ve got this!” It is essentially the mental high five we give ourselves when conquer challenges. Self-esteem like a secret key that can unlock our true potential.
Self-esteem in a child’s life
Children pop into this world a blank slate, their dependence on caretakers absolute. But sooner than later, they’ve got to gain confidence and control over their lives. Like little protégés, they start to mimic their caregivers and learn to imbibe attitudes that are instrumental to their survival and growth.
What’s worrying is that many children these days are entangled in self-doubt. They constantly worry about messing up, tend to be overly critical of themselves, and often have a hard time believing in their capability to achieve greatness. Low self-esteem can sour everything they do – like a cloud casting a shadow over their entire existence.
Proactive parenting involves nurturing’s self-esteem. A child firmly grounded in self-esteem grows to become a happier, more successful adult. And guess what! Building self-esteem is like watering a plant – with the right care and attention, it can grow quickly.
Parents: The Respected Role Models
Parents are the first superheroes that a child looks up to. Children are adept at picking up subtle hints about their worth from their parents. If parents visibly doubt their worth, their self-deprecating attitude may clog the child’s aura, leading them to undervalue themselves.
So, parents must first give themselves a pat on the back before they do the same for their children. It’s important for children to witness the lion inside their parents so they can hear their inner roar too.
Giving the Child Attention
Who doesn’t love a good listener? Being a good listener who’s all ears for a child can do wonders for their self-esteem. Showing genuine interest in what they are saying sends a powerful message – their words matter, and so do they. Avoiding interruptions and giving them space to fully express themselves teaches them to extend the same courtesy to others.
Discipline: The invisible bridge between goals and accomplishment
Some might think that discipline is simply following certain rules but no sir, that’s not it. It’s more of a secret sauce that can improve a child’s self-esteem. It forms a safe, conducive environment for learning.
When a parent-child relationship is disciplined, the child knows what’s on the cards if they misbehave. With certain expectations laid out and consequences for their actions understood, children strive only to catch their parent’s approving nod.
Discipline breeds a sense of worthiness in a child. Every time they fulfill an expectation, it becomes an approving nod for themselves, making them feel capable and accomplished.
Responsibility: The Root of Self-esteem
Responsibility goes hand in hand with healthy self-esteem. Completing a task breeds a sense of accomplishment. Children start believing they can strive and thrive in this big, wide world. They set goals and achieve them, making them feel even more confident.
Recognition: The Magic Wand to Boost Self-esteem
Recognition instills positivity in children. Be their biggest cheerleader. Applaud their strengths. Display their work with pride, be it a cute little painting or a carefully constructed Lego tower. Ensure your praises are honest though, children can sniff out false praises and it can do more harm than good.
Generating feelings of success
Success equals boosted self-esteem. It makes a child feel like they’ve hit a home run. Encourage your child to participate in new experiences and give them the space to learn.
Lead them step by step, pat their back, and tell them that it’s okay to fall as long as they pick themselves up and keep going.
Holy Grail: Martial Arts Training
Martial arts? Yes, you heard it right! It’s not all about breaking boards and swirling in the air like Jackie Chan. It’s a holistic package that can boost your child’s self-esteem in a way that’s sometimes overlooked.
The Lesson of Respect
Martial arts start with a bow, a sign of respect. Your child will learn the importance of respecting others, their surroundings, and most importantly, themselves.
Communication and Attention
Martial arts training involves dedicated attention from an instructor who communicates with your child, helping them progress. It’s also the perfect ground for your child to mingle with peers and sharpen their social skills.
Discipline
The protein shake for your child’s self-esteem lies in the discipline that martial arts demand. Frequent practice and concentration foster a disciplined mind and body, thus promoting self-esteem.
Responsibility
Responsibility takes center stage once your child starts progressing in martial arts. The more they climb the ladder, the more they develop confidence in their capabilities, which further bolsters their self-esteem.
Recognition and Praise
Recognition and praise are woven into the very fabric of martial arts training. The physical embodiment of recognition, the colorful belts, and badges, allow students to take pride in their journey and the effort they’ve put in.
Success
When you arm your child with the shield of self-esteem, you prepare them to face life’s battles with a positive attitude. Martial arts training prepares them to approach life with confidence, respect self and others, and stay determined in the face of challenges. It’s the ultimate tool to nurture self-esteem, providing a pathway to life-long happiness and success.
Don’t wait. Visit our school today and let martial arts “Arm your Child with Self Esteem!”
Self Esteem Checklist
Take a moment to answer the following questions to gauge the self-esteem of your child:
- Does your child have a sense of security; coming from well defined and fairly enforced limits, and a loving environment?
- Does your child have a sense of being unique, talented, and of having potential in a certain area?
- Does your child have a sense of belonging (to the family, church, school, or group)?
- Does your child have a sense of focus and purpose?
- Does your child know the power of responsibility, goal setting and achievement?
- Does your child respect others and himself?
- Does your child have the independence and confidence necessary to make achievements on his own?
- Does your child know that you are there to support him when he needs you?
- Does your child know it’s OK to fail, as long as he knows he did his best?
“An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure”.
Arm Your Child with Self Esteem now and build
a bedrock for a successful future.
Trust me, self-esteem is a great weapon to protect your child from adopting an unhealthy lifestyle. It also forms the foundation for a successful career. Join our school. We have mastered the art of teaching and nurturing self-esteem in children.
