We all want our kids to have high self-esteem.

The first step toward helping your kids develop that high self-esteem is to be clear about what high self- esteem looks like.

Let’s start by looking at what self-esteem is NOT and therefore what we don’t want to see in our kids.

 Self-esteem is NOT and what we should steer our kids away from …

• A “you-owe-me” attitude

• Expecting everything to be handed to them

• Being full of themselves

• Expecting to get away with misbehavior or mistakes

• Never feeling sorry, sad, or afraid

Now, let’s look at what self-esteem IS and what we do want to see in our kids. 

Self-esteem MEANS and what we should encourage in our kids…

• Knowing that they are cared about, no matter what

• Knowing that they can do things for themselves and can gradually grow to be independent

• Knowing what the rules of life are that will help them live, work, and play with others

• Knowing there are consequences for what they do

• Being responsible enough to pay the consequences for what they do

• Knowing that people will still care about them even when they make mistakes

• Believing they can find ways to make up for their mistakes