Children's talent to endure stems from their ignorance of alternatives. Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, 1969
Building You Child's Self Esteem
It's often been said that children learn what they live. So if you're looking for a place to start helping your child build positive self esteem and self value, then you should show them your positive sense of self and strong self esteem. Be positive when you speak about yourself and highlight your strengths. This will teach your child that it's okay to be proud of their talents, skills and abilities.
Your child also benefits greatly from honest and positive praise. Find something about them to praise each day. You could even give your child a task you know they can complete and then praise them for a job well done after they're finished. Show your child that positive acts merit positive praise.
When your child's feeling sad, angry or depressed, communicate openly, honestly and patiently with them. Listen to them without judging or criticizing. They may not fully understand why they feel the way they do, so the opportunity to communicate with you about it may be what's needed to help them sort through a difficult situation. Suggest positive behaviors and options as solutions, and make sure to leave that door of communication open so they know the next time they feel badly, they can come to you for help and know that you won't judge or punish them for how they're feeling.
Teach your child the importance of setting goals and developing a plan to meet that goal and complete that task. Small projects are the best to start off with in the beginning. Ensure that it's an appropriate task for your child, and not too complex. Don't only give praise at the end of the project, but praise their accomplishments during the project as well.
Most importantly, tell your child "I love you" each and every day - many times throughout the day, in fact. When they've behaved badly, remind yourself that it's not them you don't like, only their behavior. Tuck short, sweet notes in their lunchboxes or coat pockets, or even send them a card in the mail. Soon, they'll learn to say "I love you" just as easily and honestly in return.
Experts say that it's the intensity of the thumb sucking and the tongue's thrust that deforms teeth and makes braces necessary later.
Unconditional Parenting
This is usually the time of day when parent and child can spend some quality time together, so fight the urge to start the laundry or do the dishes until after the child has gone to bed.
Parents must make sure that the punishment fits the crime and doesn't punish too severely or is too lax. Time out can successfully be used outside the home such a grocery stores, restaurants, or shopping centers. They may have a very negative self-image. And childhood is a time for children to learn about the world, including how to get along with others.
Charlie Rose - Richard Reeves / Tony Judt
Charlie Rose - Richard Reeves / Tony Judt
Charlie Rose Inc.
57 min - Feb 22, 2006
Segment 1: Presidential historian Richard Reeves discusses the life and legacy of President Ronald Reagan. His book is called "President Reagan: The Triumph of Imagination"
Segment 2: A look at the past and future of Europe with Tony Judt, author of "Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945"
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