In Ras Al Khaimah, medical students are hitting the gym to stimulate the production of "happy hormones" and to improve their self-esteem. But it's not just medical schools, older students, and the locals who need to develop their self-esteem. What if building self-esteem became more important in the early years of education?
Self-esteem is a critical attribute in children especially school going children. Kids that have poorer self-esteem tend to be highly critical of themselves and uncertain about their decisions and actions.
Considering the importance of early year education, kindergartens are essential learning institutions and foundation builders as they not only help provide formal education but also help children gain essential skills such as communication, and leadership.
Just like other essential skills, schools and parents need to work together to encourage healthy self-esteem in children. High self-esteem is not just valuable in kids, as they mature, but they are also important in their career pathways. Enrolling your child in the best kindergarten schools Dubai can enhance their self-esteem as they socialize with children and teachers in an environment that promotes self-growth.
Here are a few tips parents and teachers can use to improve self-esteem in children:
Contrary to general belief, self-esteem can be built in a number of ways other than throwing praise at kids for everything that they do. Parents can start by letting them become competent in today's world. Although this might involve stepping back to let your child learn on their own, by taking risks and solving problems by making their own choices.
As much as parents want, the way to higher self-esteem isn't by praising them about everything they do. Feeling loved and secure contributes towards building your self-esteem but so does developing competencies. But parents often focus on the first two and leave the most critical aspect behind.
In some ways praising your child may be lowering the bar for their performance, and reducing their chances of improvement. Kids may start believing that they're perfect or they may pretend to be that, which may be an impossible standard to meet on their part.
The age-appropriate choice for you kindergartener includes minor things for you, but they are big decisions for them. From the clothes they would like to wear to what they would like to have for breakfast, making choices empowers children. And it allows them to claim responsibility for what they decide on!
To build self-esteem, it's essential that children show parents or guardians why they're capable and how much they can contribute towards the completion of tasks. For example, a child who cleans their room and manages to stow their toys in their baskets has helped their parents clean the house. Not only does it make them proud but they also deserve praise for their work.
Regardless of the type of task allow them to pursue whatever activity they're interested in. Whether its a book that they want to read or a game that they wish to play or a cartoon character they want to write about for their homework, ensure that they get the right encouragement form you.
The lack of a golden star on their homework or the inability to be selected for an art competition for kindergarteners may discourage them. But that's not a reason it should discourage you. Help build their self-esteem by telling them it's okay and they can always try harder next time.
It's always a good idea to encourage goals that they can achieve. Anything that's out of context may cause them to lose out on their self-esteem as they fail to accomplish their goals. Goals that have been set according to their abilities keep their self-esteem intact but also pave the way for success.
Fun activities not only provide children with fun and entertaining ways to enjoy them but also provide learning opportunities that they wouldn't be able to avail through conventional learning techniques.
Read: Tips to devise fun learning activities for kindergarten students to help your child learn essential skills through more enjoyable means!
Children are continuously building on the foundations that have been provided to them, which is why it’s essential that the foundations are strong enough to be built upon. Parents and teachers need to work together to provide an environment that's all about self-growth.
For your child, opt for the best Kindergarten schools Dubai that incorporate essential teachings in their teaching methodologies to allow your child is able to make choices, and attain goals that they set for themselves ensuring that their self-esteem remains intact!