Do you tend to wait until the last minute to get your kiddos’ school supplies? Why do they need “YELLOW” folders – ugh! Target is not my friend! Why can’t mine go to one of those ultra-modern, organized schools that just has you write a check and a magical box of supplies is waiting on the first day back?
With the start of a new school year coming up (and especially if you were unable to score any YELLOW folders), it is a good time to think about WHAT we say to our youngsters. You would be amazed to know HOW it impacts their day-to-day experience, as well as their long-term success at school. To start the year off right, here are 10 tips for building self-esteem in children as they set off to a new year of learning and fun!
1. Encourage Patience and persistence – “You seem discouraged. Everyone makes mistakes! Let’s go over your mistakes together so that you’ll be able to avoid them next time.”
2. Emphasize what your child does right – “You’ve been doing great so far! Let’s see if we can work together to get you back on track.”
3. Promote planning – “Let’s break this project down into smaller, more manageable parts so that it doesn’t seem so overwhelming.”
4. Create conversations – “What was one of the things you learned today?” “What songs did you sing about in music class?” “What vegetables and fruit were in your lunch today?” “What equipment did you play with on the playground?”
5. Support self-expression and creativity – “You must have really worked hard to come up with such an original idea! The colors in that picture look so realistic!”
6. Craft constructive criticism – “Great! This report has many good ideas. You might consider arranging your thoughts to help the reader better understand your points.”
7. Compare your youngster’s progress to his/her own record – “Let’s not worry about your friend’s test grade. What’s important is your own efforts and achievements.”
8. Avoid labels – Off-handed comments are easily internalized by youngsters. DON’T say, “Joey never takes time to read directions.” “Sarah is a really shy girl.”
9. Focus on the here and now – “I’m pleased to see that you’ll be turning your project in on time.”
10. Continue to have high expectations – “It looks like a tough assignment, but with all that you have accomplished so far, I know you can do it!
And don’t beat yourself up over the perfect 3-course lunch, “just-right” outfit or yellow folder – it will all be forgotten soon enough – but HOW you build connections NOW with your littles, middles and bigs will never fade!
Until next time, Be Wise!
A Wise Family resource:
“My friend raves about what Cleo has done for her son!” ~ Parent of an inquiring new client
— Parent of an inquiring new client“Dr. Amy is like Oprah – she’s the neighbor you love who is very, very smart”
— Parent of 14-year-old son and 18-year-old daughter“This is my 1st visit at WISE with my son. So far I am very thankful and impressed by the space. I feel light and comfortable here while my son works on his growth. I appreciate that you curated the process well.” ~ WISE Family parent
— Thankful and impressed by the space“We read through your website from start to finish and were so impressed by your extensive credentials and training but, the real reason why we want to work with you is your clear enthusiasm for children and families and the wisdom and deep love you share for both!”
— Mom of 12-year-old child with special needs
