BUILDING A TODDLER’S SELF-ESTEEM

By Dr Bill Maier

Babies get their self-image from their parents, and those around them. But as they grow older and more independent, self-esteem comes from another source.

As toddlers work to master new things, their self-image comes from accomplishment.

You can see it on their faces the first time they take a few steps on their own. They stagger and fall and get back up again. Then suddenly they take several steps forward, and their eyes light up with excitement. If they could talk, they'd be shouting: "I did it!" And you can tell how proud they are.

The best thing a parent can do during these moments is to dote over them, and tell them, "Look what you can do! You can walk all by yourself!"

It's these small achievements that help kids develop a healthy self-esteem later in life. So let them do things on their own, and then don't forget to praise them when they succeed.

From TODAY, Voices – Wednesday, 03-Jun-2009

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