Self Esteem Essay

1009 Words3 Pages

Having a healthy self-esteem is a key part of forging a budding child into a successful adult. Self esteem is how we feel about ourselves, and our behavior and attitude towards those around us directly reflects on that feeling. A child or teen with low self esteem will encounter a large number of difficulties throughout their childhood, ranging from feeling undesirable in their body to a much deeper emotional instability. If a child is raised to have a generally high level of self esteem, he or she will be able to act independently, take on responsibilities, and tolerate frustration and stress more effectively than a child with low self esteem (Must-Read Advice, n.d.). The development of a healthy self esteem is key to the happiness of children and adolescents. How children feel about themselves can depend on many different factors, such as their environment, body image, interactions with other children and adults, and the standards they set for themselves (Lyness, 2013). It’s critical for a child to mature with a positive self image and assume their role in society as a healthy, functioning adult. Having a high self esteem is pivotal to a productive adulthood. However, when a child has a too much confidence, they may be described as cocky and arrogant, and may be seen as threatening or overly aggressive towards others (Young and Hoffmann, 2004). On the other hand, a child with especially low self esteem can suffer from a large number of unhealthy characteristics. Low self esteem can be attributed to mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. It also puts children at higher risk of loneliness, obesity, and even suicide. (Young and Hoffmann, 2004). A child suffering from low self esteem may avoi... ... middle of paper ... ...e style of parenting in which the child plays a key role in decision making when the situation is appropriate, A child reared in this style will be equipped with patience and emotional control, as well as social competence and independence. Children need to be provided with a solid platform of expectations, problem-solving skills, and recognition. When they fall down, they need to be picked up, dusted off, and sent back to the forefront of all life has to offer. Instead of rescuing children from the consequences of their mistakes, adults must teach them problem-solving skills and the confidence to tackle any task. Helping children develop a healthy self esteem is a matter of showing them how to recognize their own faults as well as their strengths. They must learn to be confident in who they are by enduring failure, and then experiencing the ecstasy of success.

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