8 Ways You Might Be Ruining Your Child's Self-esteem

First published: 28 May 2021 @ 12:39 pm

As a parent, you have a huge impact on your child’s self-esteem. Positive reinforcement and recognition will help your child develop healthy self-esteem.

Lack of recognition or failure to praise your child’s efforts can cause your child to become self-conscious or even depressed. If you are concerned about your child’s self-esteem, read these 8 ways you may be undermining your child’s self-esteem.

1. Criticizing your child

Criticizing your child is a sure way to destroy her feelings of self-worth. Negative comments and criticisms can cause your child to become self-critical. Instead of criticizing your child, be positive and encouraging.

2. Making excuses for your child

Parents that make excuses for their child may be doing more damage than good. Excessive excuses can send the message to your child that he cannot handle challenges or meet expectations. Instead, help your children develop strategies for overcoming challenges.

3. Overscheduling your child

When parents overschedule their children’s activities, it can lead to mounting stress. Your child’s self-esteem will suffer if they feel overwhelmed or constantly late or missing activities. Avoid overscheduling and ensure your child has plenty of time for free play, family time, and unstructured time.

4. Expecting perfection

As parents, we expect a lot from our children. We want our children to be academically successful, well-behaved, talented, and socially adept. But, we all know that our children are not perfect. When we expect perfection from our children, we can harm their self-esteem.

5. Comparing your child to others

It is normal for parents to compare their children to others, but you should avoid comparing them to others. Instead, provide your child with positive feedback and praise.

6. Overprotecting your child

Children need to face challenges and learn to solve problems on their own. Overprotecting your child can undermine his self-esteem. If your child is not allowed to fail, he will not develop the ability to deal with challenges.

7. Criticizing yourself in front of your child

Children learn by example. When a parent criticizes herself, the child may develop a negative self-image. Instead, be a good role model and encourage your child to be kind toward others and to be confident in his own abilities.

8. Using your child as a confidante

Parents that use their children as confidantes may undermine their child’s self-esteem. Your child should not be responsible for your problems. When you share your problems with your child, you may be making them feel guilty or ashamed. Instead, confide in your spouse or a friend.

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