Self-esteem is the personal evaluation we make of ourselves, considering our own abilities, skills, achievements, and mistakes. Being a subjective opinion or judgment, it is greatly influenced by our emotions and mood, so it can range from positive self-esteem to negative. For better or for worse, self-esteem is an assessment that changes throughout life, depending on our circumstances and life experiences.

Self-esteem is essential for proper psychological health. Positive self-esteem is the basis of assertiveness, as it allows us to interact in a healthy way, without overpowering others (aggressive style) or letting others manipulate us (passive style).

Self-esteem develops gradually from early childhood. A child who receives loving attention from parents or caregivers will feel loved, accepted, and secure. It is important to remember that when children learn new skills, they always say “look, dad” or “look, mom” as they long for their parents’ approval and encouragement in their first achievements done autonomously. It is very important to let children take the initiative and dare to do more and more things. This way, they will feel satisfied and proud of themselves.

In the school environment, self-esteem can also develop or be affected depending on whether the child feels capable of learning new and varied skills without entering into comparison or competition with others.

The role that parents play in enhancing their children’s self-esteem is vital. In the range of the eight multiple intelligences that we can develop as human beings, let us remember that each child is unique and special, with their own abilities and different strengths and areas for improvement. Therefore, there cannot be a one-size-fits-all instruction manual for all children. However, when it comes to self-esteem, there are parenting ways and styles that can promote healthy self-esteem and others that can weaken it. Here are some suggestions on aspects that promote the development of positive self-esteem and what would be best to avoid. Let us be good role models for our children by choosing options that enhance self-esteem rather than diminish it.

References:

• ¿Qué es la autoestima? https://www.manuelescudero.com/texto-de-videos-psicologia/que-es-la-autoestima/
• https://www.significados.com/autoestima/
• Desarrollar la autoestima de su hijo. https://kidshealth.org/es/parents/self-esteem.html
• Formas en que los padres dañan la autoestima de sus hijos

https://lamenteesmaravillosa.com/formas-en-que-los-padres-danan-autoestima-hijos/

• Disciplina positiva. https://www.escuelainfantilgranvia.com/disciplina_positiva/