Last updated on 09/14/08
How can I build my child’s self-esteem?
A healthy self-esteem is a child's armor against the challenges of life. Kids who feel confident with themselves have an easier time handling conflicts and resisting negative pressures. These kids look happy and feel optimistic, ready to face the world head-on. Children who lack self-confidence may feel incompetent and unhappy. Studies have proven that those with a low self-esteem are likely to try to buy happiness with drugs or unnecessary possessions. Although a parent cannot control a child’s thoughts or actions, they can learn the skills necessary to teach children self-esteem from a young age.
In the Jewish Community
Jewish children are vulnerable to the pitfalls of a low self-esteem as much as any other child. Many of the Jewish “teens at risk” who hang out with the wrong crowd, drink, smoke, or do drugs, started off at children with a shaky self-confidence. If the problem persists undetected, it can spiral out of control and lead to such things, or worse.
Use the following links to learn more about self-esteem. Find out why self-esteem is important and what can be done to raise your child’s confidence.
Frequently Asked Links
What is self-esteem and why is it important?
How can parents raise confident kids?
How can I spot low self-esteem in my child?
What kinds of people are vulnerable to having low self-esteems?
How does one’s body image affect their self-esteem?
Why might competition pose a danger to a child’s self-esteem? more
By Rabbi Yakov Horowitz
What are some of the effects of a low self-esteem?
How can I develop my child’s self-esteem?
What can a teen do to improve their self-esteem?
How can I help my teenager develop a healthy self-esteem? more
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News - Kids With Healthy Self-Esteem Less Materialistic
Many kids want to have all of the "it" playthings and clothes they see in ads, store aisles, or their playmates' toy bins. However, a study of students ages 8-18 found that low self-esteem boosts materialism, whereas raising self-esteem makes materialism plummet.
Resources
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
http://www.aacap.org
AACAP offers up-to-date information on child and adolescent development and issues.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
http://www.aap.org
The AAP is committed to the health and well-being of infants, adolescents, and young adults. The website offers news articles and tips on health for families.
American Psychological Association (APA)
http://www.apa.org
The APA provides information and education about a variety of mental health issues for people of all ages.
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org
This site, operated by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), provides information on family physicians and health care, a directory of family physicians, and resources on health conditions.
BAM! Body and Mind
http://www.bam.gov
This CDC website is designed for 9- to 13-year-olds and addresses health, nutrition, fitness, and stress. It also offers games for kids.
Rabbi Horowitz does not endorse any external sites or monitor or approve content on these sites. When considering information presented here, you should consult your experts to determine what is best for you. Our sole purpose is to help you access information that Rabbi Horowitz and others have made available on the internet.
