Help Build Your Children’s Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is important for all children – It is how they think and feel about themselves. 

Children with high self esteem usually:

• Do well in school                                       
• Get along with others
• Have fewer emotional problems

Parents/Grandparents can:

• Spend time with your children
• Give support and encouragement
• Ask what your child thinks
• Set short and long term goals with your children
• Respect their opinions
• Notice the little things that are positive – praise, say “thank you”

You can see self-esteem in the things that your children do: art, homework and how they interact with others.  Self-esteem affects everything your children produce and how they approach life’s challenges.

Over 1300 third grade children in Salt Lake, Summit and Tooele participated at their schools in Valley Mental Health’s art contest –many teachers focused on self-esteem issues while working on the contest. The third graders drew a picture to the theme, “When I feel Good About Myself I Can......” Each child drew a picture demonstrating what they feel they can do if they feel good about themselves.