Become a giver of spontaneous hugs, gifts, and words of praise. Let your child know, “Boy, I like you so much I just can’t help telling you so!” Such a child feels truly appreciated, truly valued. And such a child grows in self-esteem.
Don’t wait for special occasions. Don’t even wait for your child to do something right.
Don’t hold back the joy you feel at having your son or daughter as a member of your family!
“What’s that for?” or “Where did that come from?” is likely to be your child’s response to a giant bear hug or an unexpected present.
That’s one time you can respond.
“Just because I like you.”
“Just because I’m glad you’re my child.”
“Just because I’m thrilled that God created you.”
“Just because the world seemed particularly bright today and one of the reasons is because you’re in it!”
Put a note in your child’s lunchbox to show you are thinking about him or her and that you are hoping he or she is having a good day at school.
Put a flower in your child’s room along with a note to let him or her know you think he or she is wonderful!
Mom, let your child know that you’re grateful that you gave birth to him or her. Let your child know that he or she is the best gift you’ve ever received from God.
Let your son know you’re glad he’s a boy; let your daughter know you’re glad she’s a girl. Let your chilÂdren know you are happy to be in their presence.
Let your child know that his or her life brings you fulfillment, joy, wonderment, and that he or she cerÂtainly always keeps your life “interesting.”
Grin as you say it. Your child will know that you are really saying, “I wouldn’t trade you for the world.”
A child who is surprised by loving acts is a child who has self-esteem bolstered and reinforced in the most lasting, beneficial ways. Such a child comes to believe, “I seem to be valued all the time! I must be valuable!” Now that’s self-esteem!
