Self-Esteem Killers

The simple fact is...there are things that parents sometimes do that lower their child’s self-esteem, although they are not aware of most of them. 

The following are self-esteem killers. If a parent intended (heaven forbid!) to lower a child’s self-esteem they would:

1. Compare one child with another, especially with siblings

2. Have super high standards; reward only high levels of progress

3. Yell at your kids -- a lot!

4. Give your child everything they want, need, and deserves all of the freedom they are asking for.

5. Let the child make lots of choices for themselves.

6. Neglect to follow through with consequences or bend your rules for them.

7. Hold your kids to standards that you don't hold for yourself.

8. Tell them not to set their goals to high in case they fail at them.

9. Spend time with your kids sparingly.

10. Assume they will follow your words, rather than your example (do as I say not as I do)

Of course, our job is to turn each of these awful statements into it’s opposite.  Building your child’s self-esteem requires consistent effort from yourself and everyone that is around your child.

If you have questions about self-esteem issues, give me a call, I’d be happy to help!

Jeff Cvitak

Martial Arts USA