Many of us suffer extensive losses and we have been able not only to survive, but also to maintain our self esteem and to make appropriate decisions. Others although with apparent happiness and success, feel empty, poor about themselves. Money, beauty or health is not a guarantee for self esteem. The capacity for the child to feel good about himself will start with the first relationship he has with his parents, their acceptance for what the child is, not what they dreamed for him or her to be. With the discovery by the child of their own capacities to master and to feel competent about himself, comes the ability to separate from his or her parents, because they feel confident about their parents love.
Self esteem is a balance.
Sense of the self, the ability to talk, to handle affects without feeling at loss, overwhelmed by anxiety or unable to accept criticism, unreasonable expectations or marked neglect of the child's psychological needs. The children at this stage get pride from their accomplishments in school. It is important for the parents to have reasonable expectations. The answer is that you should stimulate your child but always be aware of their responses, be ready to help them if it is needed for them to succeed. At this stage it is particularly important that a child would find a skill he or she can master.