How to Build Self Worth in Your Children

Raising kids who believe in themselves isn't about telling them they're amazing all the time. It’s actually about the little things you do every day that help them know they matter.

Whenever children possess a true sense of self-worth, they are able to go through difficult circumstances. They do not crumble when things are going wrong. 

They explore other things without fear of failure. And they do good to themselves.

What Self-Worth Actually Means

Self-worth isn't the same as feeling good about yourself. Feeling good comes and goes based on what happens to you. Self-worth stays steady no matter what.

Kids with good self-worth:

• Don't crumble when plans change

• Can admit when they're wrong

• Don't need to put others down to feel good

• Ask for help without feeling ashamed

• Keep going when things get tough

This matters when life gets messy. School troubles, friend problems, or family stress can knock confidence down. But self-worth keeps kids steady through hard times.

Just Being There

The best thing you can do is really be with your kids. Not doing activities or teaching lessons. Just being present when they need you.

When kids feel heard, they start believing they're worth listening to. This builds something deep inside them that stays.

Let Them Work It Out

Don't actually fix everything for your kids. Let them sometimes figure things out on their own. This teaches them they can handle stuff.

Start easy:

• Let them pick what they want to wear

• Help them think through problems

• Don't jump in right away

• Praise trying more than winning

When kids solve their own problems, they learn they're capable. This feeling grows into real confidence that no one can take away.

Rules That Care

Setting limits demonstrates to kids that you care about them to the extent of mentoring them. Good rules also teach kids how to take care of themselves.

This means:

• Being clear about what you expect

• Staying consistent

• Following through calmly

• Explaining why rules matter

Children raised in an environment with affectionate rules learn to respect themselves. They do not allow other people to mistreat them since they understand they are worth more.

When You Need Help

At times, children have a problem with self-esteem due to larger issues in the family. It can be depression, anxiety, previous trauma or addiction.

When parents are hurting, kids feel it too.

MESEPP understands this. We help whole families heal together.

Here's how we really help:

• Complete assessments to understand what's really wrong

• Individual therapy for kids who are struggling

• Depression and anxiety treatment for parents

• Trauma counseling when families have been through hard things

• Addiction counseling that includes the whole family

• Marriage counseling so parents can support each other better

• Grief therapy when families lose someone important

When a parent gets help for their own issues, kids notice. Families that work through problems together get stronger. Parents who learn better ways to handle stress create safer homes.

Simple Things That Work

Building self-worth happens in small moments every day. You don't need special programs or fancy techniques.

In the morning:

• Give hugs

• Ask what they're excited about

• Tell them one thing you like about them

• Let them make little choices

At night:

• Talk about good things that happened

• Notice when they were kind

• Share something from your day

• Say you're glad they're your kid

These little things just add up. They show kids they matter just because they exist.

It Takes Time

It does not take a day to build self-worth. There are children who may require more assistance. There are families that have greater struggles to overcome.

It is only necessary not to give up and seek assistance when you require it. No child should be deprived of knowing that they’re valuable.

Ready to help your family grow stronger?

MESEPP Community helps families build the kind of relationships where children naturally develop self-worth. Our counselors work with you in ways that fit your family's needs.

Call us at (678) 907-5950 or email admin@mesepp.org to talk about how we can help your family.

FAQs

How long before I see my child feeling better about themselves? 

You might notice small changes in a few weeks, but deep self-worth builds over months and years through your daily relationship.

My child already has low self-confidence. Is it too late?

It's never too late. Children are in a continuous state of development. In times of trouble in the family, professional assistance can go a long way.

How do I teach responsibility without hurting their self-worth? 

Make them understand how to learn to make mistakes and at the same time demonstrate that it does not make them bad people. Concentrate on what they can improve in future.