And it's up to parents and other important people in children's lives to give them that feeling. Children build self-esteem by dealing with normal life experiences. For example, while tying your shoes may be an automatic process for you now, learning how to do it is a major accomplishment for young people. By being applauded for these small triumphs, children learn to feel worthwhile and their self-esteem builds. Children with high self-esteem are less likely to succumb to negative peer pressure, such as the pressure to experiment with drugs and alcohol.
Studies indicate that children with high self-esteem tend to do better in school.
In many other ways, self-esteem helps young people have the confidence to face life's many challenges. On the following pages you'll find ideas and tips prepared by the National PTA and Keebler Company to help your children develop self-esteem. Your children need to know that you are interested in what they have to say, value their opinions and respect their views. Listen and Talk Tell your children that you love them. Often children don't believe their parents love them because their parents scold and punish them.