The self-esteem, motivation, and dignity of most children are enhanced noticeably when they are asked to help others. Self-esteem is reinforced when children learn how to make decisions and solve problems. Teachers can give students a choice of which homework assignments to do. For the child who has trouble getting ready in the morning, parents can provide the option of choosing clothes and laying them out the night before. Both teachers and parents can help to develop self-discipline in youngsters by engaging them in a discussion of what rules are necessary in the home or school environment, the best ways to remember these rules, and what the consequences should be if the rules are broken.
All children worry at times about making mistakes and looking foolish.
Teachers can tell a class at the beginning of a school year that making mistakes and not understanding something the first time are part of learning. Openly discussing the fear of making mistakes renders it less potent and teaches children to be less fearful in the classroom. Dr. Robert Brooks is a clinical psychologist who has written and lectured extensively about the themes of self-esteem, resiliency, and motivation. Stories of Hope and Resilience , a video program and educational guide produced by The Learning Disabilities Project at WETA . Newsletter Copyright 1996-2001 WETA .