How children see and evaluate themselves and what kind of expectations they hold play a very important role in their personal happiness and well-being. Much, if not most,of young people's behavior depends on whether they feel they are worthwhile persons. Self-concept is also an important part of children's academic life. Children with low self-esteem may not feel they are as good as others in their class and hence may not try very hard. They may see themselves as kind of second-class citizens.
Good teachers are aware of the importance of self-concept and daily try to build up each student.
They individualize their remarks so as to emphasize good points, even when a child has obviously not performed well on a particular task. At home, parents can help children develop higher self-esteem by first being aware of its importance and second, by saying and doing those things that build up, rather than tear down, a child. If the child is unable to make a positive statement about herself or himself, the parent can make such a statement and encourage the child to repeat it. If these kinds of statements are made repeatedly, even a child with low self-esteem will, over time, begin to feel better about himself or herself. A good self-concept doesn't just happen.