Monday, December 5, 2011
Building a Child's Self Esteem
I have had the privilege of watching many children grown up over the years that I have been a classroom teacher, Sunday School teacher, Girl Scout leader, Children's Ministry Director, Childcare Director and mom. Parents have often expressed concern over their child's self-esteem or the lack of it. They have over-compensated by excessive praise that wasn't really necessary or sincere. They have failed to correct their child's behavior because they didn't want to damage their child's self-esteem. All the while, those things weren't what was destroying the child's self worth.
In this technological age, I am always amazed at the number of parents who come in to drop off or pick up their children at childcare while talking on their cell phone. I know that business is important for their livelihood, but they are either leaving their child for a long day or picking them up after a long day. Their child needs their undivided attention! The child's self-esteem grows when they see that they are #1 in their parents eyes.
The other thing that really gets me is when they clean out their child's cubbie and throw everything in the trash before they leave the building. They don't take the time to look through it or even talk to their child about their creations. Even though the scraps of paper may not mean much to the parent, it does to the child.
Children grow up so very fast...take it from me the time just flies by! Parents would be wise to cherish the moments with their children. It would be much better for a parent to take time to properly say good-bye to their child each day, or to sit down for a minute to play with them or talk to them about their day instead of rushing off to the next activity or event. This is where love is spelled TIME.
Have you ever though about framing your child's art...not just on the refrigerator for a time, but in a real frame and making a gallery of their best work. More than anything your child desires your approval. I saved all my children's school work, but never did anything with it except store it in the attic. I wish I had taken a different approach.
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Great insight and advice, whispering ideas of a Silas wall of stuff in his ears after I rock him from a feeding. Thank you for your love for our children and support for us!
ReplyDeleteThis is a FANTASTIC post, Cindy. I remember when we first started bringing Silas to KOTC and one of the things on the "rules" was that it was requested that we end our cell phone calls before entering the building. How amazing this has been for us. I typically leave my cell phone in the car when I come in to pick up Silas or drop him off (unless I'm dying to share a pic of him with you guys) and really appreciate that bit of insight from you all. I know it's not much at his age, but spending time with Silas in the morning and afternoon is a big deal for both my husband and I and we appreciate that you allow us to be in the rooms with our children going over their days and gushing over them with kisses!
ReplyDeletePutting Silas in that center was one of the best decisions we've made for him. Not only is he well cared for, but he's cared for like WE would care for him. Seeing a blog like this encourages me even more to know that we've put our son in a place that loves him and wants the absolute best for him.
Keep posting! Love this!
In Christ!
-Kristin Urban