-
REWARD
CHILDREN. Give praise, recognition, a special privilege or
increased responsibility for a job well done. Emphasize the good
things they do, not the bad.
-
TAKE
THEIR IDEAS, EMOTIONS, AND FEELINGS SERIOUSLY. Don't belittle them
by saying. '"You'll grow out of it" or It's not as bad as you
think".
-
DEFINE
LIMITS AND RULES CLEARLY, AND ENFORCE THEM. But do allow leeway
for your children within these limits.
-
BE
A GOOD ROLE MODEL. Let your children know that you feel good about
yourself. Also let them see that you too can make mistakes and can
learn from them.
-
TEACH
YOUR CHILDREN HOW TO DEAL WITH TIME AND MONEY. Help them spend
time wisely and budget their money carefully.
-
HAVE
REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS FOR YOUR CHILDREN. Help them to set
reachable goals so they can achieve success.
-
HELP
YOUR CHILDREN DEVELOP TOLERANCE TOWARD THOSE WITH DIFFERENT VALUES,
BACKGROUNDS AND NORMS. Point out other people's strengths.
-
GIVE
YOUR CHILDREN RESPONSIBILITY. They will feel useful and valued.
-
BE
AVAILABLE. Give support when children need it.
-
SHOW
THEM THAT WHAT THEY DO IS IMPORTANT TO YOU. Talk with them about
their activities and interests. Go to their games, parents 'day at
school, drama presentations, awards ceremonies.
-
EXPRESS
YOUR VALUES, BUT GO BEYOND "DO THIS: OR I WANT YOU TO DO
THAT". Describe the experiences that determined your
values, the decisions you made to accept certain beliefs, the reasons behind
your feelings.
-
SPEND
TIME TOGETHER. Share favorite activities.
-
DISCUSS
PROBLEMS WITHOUT PLACING BLAME OR COMMENTING ON A CHILD'S CHARACTER.
If children know that there is a problem but don't feel attacked, they are
more likely to help look for a solution.
-
USE
PHRASES THAT BUILD SELF-ESTEEM, SUCH AS "THANK YOU FOR HELPING" OR
"THAT WAS AN EXCELLENT IDEA!". Avoid phrases that hurts self-esteem:
"Why are you so stupid?" or "How many times have I told
you?".
-
SHOW
HOW MUCH YOU CARE ABOUT THEM. Hug them. Tell them they are
terrific and that you love them.
SELF-ESTEEM
