One of the main objectives of raising children is helping them become independent and self-confident.
1. LISTENING: Caregiver listening promotes a child’s sense of self-importance. Children are hard to fool. They can tell when you’re not paying attention. Self-esteem is built on good relationships, and good relationships are built on good communication.
2. PROBLEM SOLVING: A child needs to develop problem-solving skills. A child always told what to do and not given choices will continue to depend on someone else to give answers. Encourage your child to think about possible solutions and pick those that may work. It will develop a method for thinking about a problem. Giving your child a say in decisions will have an enormously positive influence as well.
3. PRAISE FOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Children need to feel significant and that you are proud of their accomplishments. Show appreciation for small favors. Be careful with criticism make sure they are constructive and supportive. Avoid comments like,”You’ll never get it right”. Try not to over use praise. Children can tell when you’re not sincere and when you are.
4.TEACH VALUES: Children learn by observation. “Don’t do as I do, do as I say”, will never work. Children need to learn that making mistakes is a natural part of living and learning. They need to know that no one is perfect all the time. Talk openly about your family values and discuss why they are yours giving reasons and examples.
5. TAKING RESPONSIBILITY: Independent children feel an important and a worthy part of the family. Taking on family responsibilities and given tasks appropriate for there age will develop a high self-esteem.
6. APPLYING DISCIPLINE: Punishment and time-out should be metered out at the time of the offense, in the proportion to the severity of the offense. Your timing is important because the child may not remember why they are being punished.
7. BEING PART OF A FAMILY: It is important that everyone in the family has their emotional and physical needs taken care of. Without it, we may feel taken advantage of or neglected. This applies to both mothers and fathers. To be a good parent you need to take care of your needs as well.