Childhood is the most important phase in human life when many of are emotions and abilities
are settled for life. A child with self-esteem grows up to be confident. The emotional and mental
growth of a child depends on many influencing factors, the most important being the family.
In a child’s life parenting attitude matters the most. Every action from the parent should be able
to nurture self-esteem in a child, by keeping the end objective of developing a healthy, confident
and happy adult, in mind. Encouraging and appreciating positive attitude makes a child
confident. Children like to talk in detail about their activities, and are encouraged when
appreciated for specific achievements. For this, apart from daily conversations, parents need to
set aside time for some pep talk. They may appreciate their behavior at a specific party or even
a small act of kindness. From a child’s point of view those are important since they may be the
few occasions when the adults noticed him.
Treating children as individuals and making them realize the end result of their actions helps in
making them good decision makers. Being patient with them and letting them enjoy even trivial
things like tying their laces or manipulating a compass develops a sense of achievement in
them. Letting them have a say in family matters like painting a room, placing potted plants in the
house or buying a dog may help them feel important. Parents should be careful while
conversing publicly and privately with their children. Admonishing and sometimes praising a
child privately has a greater effect than otherwise.
Presenting a child’s weaknesses in a way so as to develop a positive mind set and avoiding
judgmental comments helps in boosting its self-confidence. They become resilient, unaffected
by peer pressure and are undaunted by criticism or mild teasing and are less likely to be on the
defensive when questioned.
Children can easily run out of motivation and parents need to think of novel ways to support
them and make known their appreciation. This helps in them to set goals for themselves and
strive to reach them. They require encouragement specially when taking up new challenges at
school or at play. Helping children gradually take control of their daily activities can also help them be more
responsible and develop confidence without being arrogant or conceited. By presenting them
with opportunities to make choices, like places to hang out or the type of clothes to be worn,
children have a sense of achievement and reasoning. Children become assertive but not
aggressive in letting known their needs.
Emphasizing their strengths and praising their skills can help children focus on their abilities and
talents. Making known their special achievements and qualities among close family and friends
gives them a sense of belonging. Their abilities in sports or arts can help them appreciate their
roles as leaders or team players.
A child grows up to be a responsible individual depending on the respect he or she has gained
in the family. Hence the interaction of parents with their children has a strong influence on a
child’s relationship with others. A sensitive and respectful upbringing will make a child caring,
sensitive and respectful of others.

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