Frequently Asked Questions  | Be An Asset Builder | Advice & Tips | Featured |   Early Childhood Ages 0-4 | School Aged Ages 5-12 | Teen Years Ages 13+ |   Parenting Education Opportunities Class Schedule

This Article is From Our August 2008 Advice & Tips:

Every Child Needs Hope and a Healthy Self-Esteem

What are the best things parents can give their children? This is a question that we should all be asking ourselves. In my opinion, it gets down to two basic concepts, hope and a high self-esteem.

A high self-esteem is tied into love, security, trust, and empowerment. Parents who provide a safe environment/home and spend quality time with their kids have begun this process. Kids need to be able to trust their parents, that they won’t be treated violently or unfairly. Parents can empower them to explore things while being safe; teach them initiative and empathy.

Above all, be there especially during the bad times. I have seen many parents disappear when their child gets into trouble. They need you then more than ever. Although it can be challenging, remember to show them love and respect even if they have had a bad stretch. Of course they need discipline but do it with respect and not harshness.

Hope is a key ingredient in life. This is essential, if there is no hope, then there is no motivation. Hope keeps us positive and happy. We can help our children with this by talking about the future and looking forward to tomorrow. Be a good role model, hopefully our kids will look forward to growing up because they see us happy. Even in bad times find something good. Family transitions are very tough, but it doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world.

Plan an activity together; keep looking towards the future with a gleam of excitement in your eye. Always be glad to see your child, with a big smile or a high-five. Parents can often control a situation’s outcome by the way they handle themselves. Teach your kids that they can succeed in anything they put their minds to. Visualize your kids as a success in life. Then set up your family to help them get there. Success is not always tied into money, it as simple as being happy and healthy.

There it is simple right? Life can be tough and challenging, but remember the most important and rewarding job we will ever have is being a parent.

"Nothing I’ve ever done
has given me more joys
and rewards than being a
father to my children"

- Bill Cosby


Written by: Dave Baker, National Consultant for the Nurturing Fathers program

Below was our August 2008 Question of the month...

What are the best things parents can give their children?


Local Responses:

J. A. Castaneda

Boundaries, everything a child does, either alone or with an adult, needs appropriate boundaries. In the child’s early life those boundaries serve to protect and safeguard the child so they can grow. Later in life the child discovers who he or she is by testing the limits of those boundaries.

Alan Forsythe

They need praise, self-confidence, and a chance to learn about Jesus Christ. They also need to be taught respect, and love.

Tamala Khamdath

Advice, Guidance, Trust, Security, and a Stable Environment

Mike L.

Love, Attention, Help, Security, Comfort, and Free Will

Becky F.

Time, Good Memories, A sense of family, Love (no matter what), and Security

Andrew Z.

Love, a Belief of Self-Worth, Our Attention, Hugs & Kisses, Good Memories, Responsibility, and a Sense of Security

For more information on current classes being offered or to learn more about stress, please call the Worcester County Health Department – Office of Prevention @ 410-632-0056

To See Our Archive Of Past Parenting Advice & Tips Click Here