Parents should take every opportunity to help their children feel important, capable, and adequate. Such feelings, when instilled in children, enhance self-esteem. Parents can do this in many ways. They can give their children responsibilities such as chores. Parents should make sure that the tasks assigned are challenging, but well within their children's capabilities.
Parents can also encourage their children to make decisions.
This can be done in many ways. For example, even very young children can decide what to wear when given a choice out of two outfits. As children get older, they can make more and more decisions for themselves. However, parents should make sure that they are always available to help when needed. Provide lots of love, affection and attention.