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This Article is From Our December 2009 Advice & Tips:

Developing a Healthy Self-Esteem in children

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


To learn more about Nurturing Parenting please call the Health Department at 410-632-1100 ext 1106.

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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