The first few years of life are of paramount importance for instilling a foundation of high self-regard and belief in oneself. Parents can do many things to encourage this self-respect and courage in their children. First, parents need to love, respect and accept themselves just as they are right now. That love flows over to their children who then learn self-love and are able to love other. Second, parents need to love their children unconditionally, just as they are, no matter what.
Parents can let their children feel loved, while disciplining unwanted behavior.
Children who are loved unconditionally are able to trust and grow into emotionally healthy adults who feel self-confident, worthwhile and able to love others. Third, parents can be models of positive self-talk. Self-talk is the continual monologue running through our minds. A parent with a can-do attitude shows a child how to handle the bumps and bruises of life. Our children learn how to treat themselves by watching how we treat ourselves.