How to Build Self-Esteem in Children: Expert Parenting Tips

Why Self-Esteem Matters in Childhood Development

A child’s self-esteem plays a crucial role in their emotional well-being, academic success, and ability to handle life’s challenges.

When kids have high self-esteem, they feel:

✅ Confident in their abilities

✅ Accepted and valued by family and peers

✅ Resilient in the face of obstacles

However, children with low self-esteem often:

⚠️ Doubt themselves and avoid challenges

⚠️ Feel they’re not good enough compared to others

⚠️ Struggle with anxiety and self-criticism

Building confidence in kids is essential for raising happy, successful adults. If you missed our recent free parenting class on self-esteem, this guide will provide expert-backed strategies to help your child thrive.

3 Key Parenting Strategies for Raising a Confident Child

Want to boost your child’s self-esteem? Start with these three important steps:

1. Avoid Comparing Their Struggles to Yours

It may be tempting to say, “When I was your age, I had it much harder.” However, this can make children feel invalidated instead of supported. Instead, acknowledge their feelings and help them develop problem-solving skills.

2. Monitor Social Media and Screen Time

Social media significantly impacts self-esteem. Research shows that excessive screen time and unrealistic portrayals online can cause negative self-comparisons, anxiety, and low confidence.

✅ Set healthy boundaries on social media use

✅ Encourage offline activities to build real-world confidence

✅ Keep an open dialogue about their online experiences

🎥 Watch: Expert Brian Tracy on self-esteem in children: Watch Video

3. Foster Open Communication

The more comfortable children feel talking to their parents, the stronger their confidence becomes. Encourage open-ended conversations, listen without judgment, and provide reassurance.

5 More Ways to Build Confidence in Your Child

1️⃣ Be a Confident Role Model – Kids mirror what they see. Show confidence in your actions.

2️⃣ Encourage a Growth Mindset – Teach them that mistakes are part of learning.

3️⃣ Let Them Fail (Safely) – Failure builds resilience and problem-solving skills.

4️⃣ Praise Effort, Not Just Success – Recognize hard work rather than just outcomes.

5️⃣ Help Them Discover Their Strengths – Confidence grows when kids explore what they love.

🎥 Watch: The truth about self-esteem in children: Watch Video

4 Simple Steps to Boost Self-Esteem in Kids

Want to know how to raise a confident child? Start with these four parenting tips:

✅ Give Them (Easy) Choices – Decision-making builds independence.

✅ Provide the Right Kind of Praise – Focus on their effort and perseverance.

✅ Allow Small Risks – Encourage trying new things without fear of failure.

✅ Teach Them to Learn from Mistakes – Every setback is a learning opportunity.

🎥 Watch: Kids reveal the secret to confidence! Watch Video

The Link Between Social Media and Self-Esteem

When is the right time for kids to use social media? It depends on their maturity, emotional readiness, and ability to handle online interactions.

To protect your child’s self-esteem:

🚫 Set age-appropriate guidelines for social media use

💡 Have open conversations about online safety and peer pressure

⏳ Encourage screen-time limits to promote real-world confidence

🎥 Watch: A child's perspective on social media: Watch Video

Final Thought: Self-Esteem Lasts a Lifetime

Building self-esteem in children isn’t a one-time event—it’s a continuous process. By creating a supportive environment, praising effort, and encouraging resilience, you help your child develop lifelong confidence.

🎥 Watch: A final reminder on self-esteem: Watch Video

Join Our Free Parenting Classes!

Want more parenting tips and strategies? Join our FREE online parenting classes every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 6:30 PM at www.lubbockfamily.org. Learn expert-backed techniques to raise confident, happy kids!