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February is International Boost Your Self-Esteem Month. High self-esteem matters because it helps develop coping skills, handle adversity, and put the negative into perspective. Research also shows that people with high self-esteem have better social relationships, and generally, a more positive sense of well-being. LearningRx (www.LearningRx.com), the largest personal brain training company in the world, is sharing ways you can help boost your child’s self-esteem. Here are some tips:
1. Remind them of past successes.
Highlighting past successes doesn’t have to mean just verbally reminding a child that they did something well. It could include framing a photo of their best dance recital, placing awards or trophies in a place of prominence, placing an announcement in the newspaper or family newsletter, or asking them to mentor a younger child on the piano. You can also “brag” to family members or friends within earshot of your preteen or encourage a child just for attempting something new.
2. Provide opportunities for new successes.
Consider activities in which they can succeed and build self-esteem: an art class, music lessons, individual or team sports, mentoring younger children or helping serve others through volunteer work.
3. Get to the root of the problem.
According to Kim Hanson, CEO of LearningRx and co-author of “Unlock the Einstein Inside: Applying New Brain Science to Wake up the Smart in Your Child,” kids often beat themselves up over low academic performance. “It’s an endless cycle to try to raise the self-esteem of kids who aren’t performing well—especially if they’re placed into special education instead of trying to target and train their cognitive skills. When brain skills are strong, learning is faster and easier, and kids tend to have more confidence.”
To hear first-hand how LearningRx has helped boost the confidence of more than 100,000 children, teens and adults, watch the videos on www.StudentShoutouts.com.
