Dear Parents,

True wisdom is the ability to learn from other people’s experiences. Therefore, child psychologist, Dr. Charles Schaefer, asked this question of 50 parents who had successfully reared children: “Based upon your personal experience, what is the best advice you could give new parents about raising children?” The most frequent parental advice offered was:
Love abundantly
Discipline constructively
Be clear, consistent and authoritative
Punish in private
Be flexible, reasonable, and understanding
Discourage continued dependency
Spend time together
Develop mutual respect
Really listen
Tend to personal and marital needs

Parents and teachers function like a mirror to a child by letting him or her know what they are really like. Parents who are proud of, have confidence in, and like their child are strengthening their child’s ego and helping them to develop self acceptance and inner harmony. As parents and teachers we can:

Love and accept our child as they are from the day they were born.
Respect individual differences and appreciate each child’s unique characteristics.
Show affection frequently; physically through a hug or a pat on the back and verbally through our choice of words and tone of voice.
Really listen as a child talks to us. Listening attentively gives insight into how he/she feels, builds rapport and acceptance, and gives a child a sense of significance.
Help your children see themselves accurately so they can appreciate their strengths or accept their limitations.
Set realistic expectations so a child can feel adequate in keeping up.
Praise more than criticize.
Set limits so our children know for sure what gets our approval and disapproval.
Treat your child with respect and consideration. Children really do learn what they live.

How can we as teachers and parents build a child’s self esteem? Enjoy them and value their uniqueness. Celebrate their achievements and let them know you love and appreciate them.

Sincerely,
Debbie Ginnetti