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How to Build Confidence in Kids
Children are still honing their perceptive abilities in order to understand the world around them. It is up to you as a parent to understand what they are going through and guide them through their experiences, be it positive or negative. Helping children with low self-esteem is as important as making sure they eat and drink well or get their vaccinations on time. Low confidence levels can lead to depression, self-hatred, and even suicidal thoughts. This article will help you understand the signs of low self-esteem in children as well as different ways for you to build their confidence.
Why is Self-Esteem in Children so Important?
The development of self-esteem begins very early in children and is intricately linked to the kind of adults they become. Repeated failure can lead to self-esteem issues and a drop in confidence. On the contrary, success tends to instil in them a sense of accomplishment and assurance in their own abilities. However, children need to experience a sense of pride in their accomplishments without feeling like they deserve their victories without any hard work. On the other hand, low self-esteem often prevents kids from being able to handle daily challenges that other children breeze through.
Kids with high self-esteem will naturally find that their confidence bears desired results, which further increases the chances that they will take on more and difficult tasks to prove themselves. Consider it a positive feedback loop: The more secure they feel, the better they do. It is especially important that they are accepted by authority figures like parents and teachers, whose support and encouragement can drive them.
Signs of Low Self-Esteem in Children
1. Aggression
Your child reacts to emotional situations with aggressive behaviour or bullying. They do this in order to protect their own feelings of weakness or inadequacy. They usually show aggression towards children weaker than they are, blaming them to avoid dealing with their own lack of confidence.
2. Playing The Fool
Children who act out in the form of clowning or ludicrous behaviour often do so to hide their insecurities. Being silly takes their mind off their troubles, but it never quite works.
3. Giving Up
Kids with low self-esteem doubt their own abilities and get frustrated very easily if they fail at tasks, sometimes after just one attempt. This leads to them quitting point-blank to avoid the humiliation of failure.
4. Dominating
With a lack of confidence comes a feeling of powerlessness over their own lives. As a result, they try taking control of the situation usually becoming domineering in the process.
5. Being Careless
Impulsive behaviour is common in children, but overdoing it might be a coping technique, as they might want to complete their task as fast as they can so they don’t have to feel the pressure.
6. Denying
Denial is a common way for children with the low confidence to simply avoid the frustration and suffering that would come if they faced their personal problems head-on. Denial can come in many forms, such as their success at school or maintaining friendships.
Best Ways to Build Confidence in Kids
Here are some ways for improving self esteem in children:
1. Spend Time With Them
This is the most important role. As a parent, it is essential to simply be there for your child. This means spending time with them, even if its something as simple as taking them out for ice-cream, reading them stories, and so on. Children in primary school or younger require your attention even more. Don’t forget to focus on them during this time, as children are perceptive enough to figure out if you are distracted and just want to get the conversation over with.
2. Let Them Choose
Allowing your child the freedom of choice lets them feel in control of their lives. Consider giving them options for their meals, clothes for the day, and so on, but avoid too many choices especially if they are very young. Ensure they are aware of the consequences of their choices as well, so they can make their opinions accordingly.
3. Reassure Them Regularly
Children need to know that they don’t have to be perfect all the time. Try to show compassion and understanding in your reactions to their failures. The more disappointment you show, the harder it hits their confidence levels. This applies to small children as well, such as learning to walk, clothe themselves and so on.
4. Give Them Genuine Praise
Parents who regularly praise their children help them in developing their sense of self-worth. However, it is important to avoid over praising them or showering them with compliments too often as this could result in an inflated ego. Be specific in your praises, for example, instead of simply saying that they did something well, tell them what and how they did it well.
5. Establish Boundaries
While allowing them the freedom to do things at their pace, do set limits and requirements. For example, if it is their job to wash vessels or clean their room on a particular day, insist that they finish their job. Help them understand that not doing their part affects the people around them as well.
6. Do Not Insult Them
It is absolutely never OK to take your anger out on your children. Never abuse them, call them names, insult them in any manner, or downplay their feelings. Remember that you love your child, even if their actions affected you. Negative reinforcement might make them change their ways temporarily, but can devastate their self-esteem.
7. Let Them Figure Things Out
If you do everything for your child, they will never learn to work their problems out for themselves. Clothing your toddler might be more efficient, but it will not improve their motor skills or give them a sense of accomplishment. It might be scary for you, but letting them take risks is the best way for them to deal with new challenges. For instance, allow your child to pour themselves a glass of water even it means they are going to spill half of it. They will know how to face the problem next time.
8. Give Them Responsibilities
Ask them to help out with activities around the house, and make them responsible for those chores. This will make them independent and willing to do things by themselves. This sense of competence is integral to the building self esteem in children as it makes them feel that they contribute something worthwhile.
9. Treat Them Unconditionally
Accept your child for who they are. Hold, kiss, hug them, show them as much affection as possible. Avoid any form of comparison with siblings or friends who perform better at school or athletics. Children need to know that you will be there for them no matter what in order to feel secure about themselves and their abilities.
10. Learn Their Perspectives
Understand that not all children are the same, and no child views the world as you do. If your little one is crying or whining for no reason, it might just be because of your perspective. Kids are affected by different things than adults are, and are certainly more emotionally vulnerable.
11. Develop Your Own Self-Esteem
Before your child can build their own self-esteem, it is important that you are confident in yourself. Parents have to be the first role models as children learn everything from you. If you do your tasks without complaining about it, your child will learn to do the same.
Children with low self-esteem are difficult on themselves. Their insecurities and lack of confidence make them feel like they are not as good or loved as other children. They often focus on their failures more than their accomplishments and blame their own lack of skills or personalities for this. The points described in this article barely skim the surface of what you must do as a caring parent to boost your child's confidence. Encouragement and support are not just words you can tell your children. It is your actions that count. The job is tough, but a happy and confident child is worth every effort.
Also Read:
Moral Development in Children
How to Make Kids Listen To You
Personality Development Tips for children Read more
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Enjoy pregnancy to the fullest! Stay Positive! Stay healthy! Stay active!
Just like marriage is a crucial and exciting part of one's life, so is getting pregnant.
Getting the news of pregnancy causes a lot of happiness in the family.At the same time( especially for first timers), it also brings a lot of nervousness and anxiety in women.
What to eat? What not to eat? Can I sleep like this? Should I watch this? And so on. We start getting suggestions from one and all whether it is relatives or friends or family. Whom should we listen to ? Whom not to?
One should listen to all but do as per one's own wish. Donot do anything under pressure.After all its your body, your baby. Read lots of books. Watch funny movies or jokes. Stay with people who bring out the best in you and keep you positive. Eat lots of healthy food and he'll lot of fluids in the form of water and juices.
Pregnancy is a very peculiar phase. With each passing month you learn something new about your body and baby. Watch the ultrasounds and baby movements. Enjoy this phase to the fullest and seek for help from family and friends whenever require. Donot hesitate to ask doctor all your doubts. After all you are paying the fees. Get all your vaccinations on time( Government centres also provide vaccinations free of cost to pregnant women)
It's a new phase for the husbands as well. Try to remain the same with them and have patience. They donot know what changes your body is going through . Only you can make them aware.
Plan your pregnancy shoot. Involve your husband and family as well.
Donot pick heavy objects. Go on walks. In case you feel uneasy or any type of inconvenience, donot panic or neglect. Immediately reach out to nearest doctor. A lot of times, negligence causes serious issues.
Stay healthy. Stay happy.Stay active. Read more
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Top Budget-friendly International Holiday Destinations!
Shop till you drop, eat to your heart’s content, or simply soak in the beauty of these cheap international holiday destinations from India. These places promise to treat you in the best possible way--even on your low budget. Book your tickets today!
When was the last time you thought of going abroad and stifled your holiday dreams due to low budget? Chances are you'd do the same even today. But wait, if you do a bit of travel research you'd know that there’s a lot in store beyond expensive cities in USA, UK, South Africa or places where the Indian Rupee is weak. Find out where you can feel like a king on your holiday.
Budget Friendly International Destinations from India
1. Sri Lanka: 1 INR = 2.11 Sri Lankan Rupee
Cheap accommodations and easy travel options in so little, that’s Sri Lanka for you. Relish timeless ruins, endless beaches, welcoming people, fun trains, rolling surfs, flavourful food and the oh-so-famous tea on your next holiday; at very cheap prices. With 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites, 2000-plus years of opulent culture, scores of legendary temples, exciting wildlife sanctuaries and many more bounties to its credit, Sri Lanka tops the list of budget foreign trips from India.
2. Paraguay: 1 INR = 81.37 Guarani
If the fact that Paraguay is the cheapest place to holiday in the world fails to excite you, what would? Little known on the tourist radar, this country is a haven for those seeking cheap international holiday destinations from India. In Paraguay, look forward to authentic South American experiences at low prices, discover exotic natural reserves, click pictures on human-made dams, enjoy glitzy shopping centres, or explore isolated Mennonite colonies, the choice is yours.
3. Costa Rica: 1 INR = 8.41 Colons
Costa Rica’s Colon, unlike its punctuation namesake, doesn’t make you pause. This island beckons Indian travellers with plentiful Caribbean fantasies fringed with Pina coladas, sun-kissed deserted beaches, misty crater lakes, perfect sunsets, rising waves, rainforest hikes, white-water rapids and amazing surfing opportunities. Wow, this place packs in a punch at low cost!
4. Belarus: 1 INR = 242.99 Rubles
Don’t think that by holidaying in Belarus you're merely enjoying low prices. There's a lot more to this lovely holiday destination than what meets the eye. Simplistic in appeal, it offers landscapes of thick forests, cornflower fields and picturesque villages. Complete with two national parks, Belarus is home to the zoobr, Europe’s largest mammal. Visit charming cafes and quaint museums or take a ride to lakes, all on a shoestring budget.
5. Hungary: 1 INR = 4.41 Forint
Contrary to popular belief, Hungarian accommodation is not as expensive as other European holiday destinations. How would you like to spend Rs.700 per night for a hotel room that has a fridge, TV and a bed - in Budapest? Surprised? Gear up to sing to a different tune and explore medieval town houses, baroque churches, Roman ruins, neoclassical public buildings- structures that'll leave you wanting more. You get to eat, drink and be merry in the vicinity of its 300 thermal springs. Still have doubts?
Book your tickets to these budget-friendly international destinations and look forward to an exciting holiday ahead that doesn't involve dishing out big bucks; believe us, you'll not be disappointed at all! Read more
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Every Mother Is a Treasure
The most crucial aspect of our beloved baby's early months/years is the nourishment they receive for overall development. Of course, mother's milk is beneficial to babies, but if a mother is unable to nurse her child, formula feed comes to the rescue. Formula-fed infants have the same protection as EBF (exclusive breastfeeding) infants.
The formula is prepared using industry-standard procedures to ensure a baby's overall mental and physical development. So, if you are unable to breastfeed your tiny miracle, don't be discouraged or guilty; after all, A MOTHER IS IMPORTANT, and she knows what is best for her child.
If you think your nursing isn't enough for your infant, keep a keen watch on your diet, which should include green leafy vegetables, especially methi (fenugreek), cumin seeds, poppy seeds, tomato soup, ghee, shatavari powder, edible gum, and so on. Additionally, several homoeopathic medicines can help you increase your breastfeeding. Several modifications in how a baby is fed can also aid, in addition to these homoeopathic drugs for enhancing breast milk production. Allow the child to nurse for as long as they require, rather than timing the feed. When the infant appears to have stopped feeding, switch them to the other breast. If your prolactin levels are greater at night, you could attempt to nurse the infant. Prolactin is the hormone that causes milk to be produced. Oil-massage of the breasts can also aid in the production of breast milk.
Formula feed is also a boon for mothers who cannot breastfeed their babies for several reasons, including surgery, solid medication, baby not latching, inverted nipples, or simply because the mother does not want to breastfeed her baby.
Stop shaming a mother who can't nurse her child. She is a treasure, and no one can take her place.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
Nikitha has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
54 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert
mam what is the schedule of scan during the pregnancy?
Nikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
53 mins ago
A. hello first scanning is done around 2.5 to 3. months vary depending on the individual conditions so it would be better to check with your doctor and she will be able to guide you accordingly and absolutely nothing to worry about and not a problem
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
49 mins ago
Q. my baby girl is crying because of gas. can please tell how to relieve gas?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
48 mins ago
A. from your history it appears that your child is having colic pain due to gas in abdomen
in colic pain you can give anti colic medicines like colicaid 0.5 ml to the child and this medicine can be given maximum three or four times per day but to prevent this problem kindly do regular burping for 15 to 20 minutes.d
do not kee ep the child back on the bed after one burping (all gas is not removed with one burping)
during the cdolic episode you can do stomach massage and limb cycling movements and if the child is more than 2 months of age you can give tummy time also.
advisable to learn more about it from your doctor.
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
49 mins ago
Q. my baby girl is not sleeping at night.
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
48 mins ago
A. the sleeping pattern of the child changes from time to time and will improve with increasing age of the child. if the growth and weight gain of the child is proper along with proper urine stool then there is no need to worry regarding the sleeping pattern.
you have to just see that the child is not having any disturbance during the sleep because it can occur due to gas as well as due to digestion problem. aldso see for the comfort of the child and see the bedding on which the child is sleeping.
try to prevent temperature variations around the child that is from hot to cold and cold to hot weather because that also can cause disturbance in the sleep. d
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
27 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert ozone face wash toner and hydrant use kar liya mera face khurdura ho gya kya kare bahut itching hoti hai jalan bhi
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
26 mins ago
A. For the query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken abfccnd the expert will give you the proper answer .
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
14 mins ago
Q. At end of 4months baby weighed 5.7kg; suffered from loose stools and stomach infection and recurred again ; then at the end of 5.5 months baby weighed 6.1 kg
Baby is active but looks so lean and thin
Is this weight adequate since birth weight was 2.8kgs
Read moreDr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
12 mins ago
A. Loose motion are most of the time infective where it is associatedgn with fever and vomiting and its known as gastroenteritis where symptomatic treatment along with management for dehydration is required if loose motions are associated with foul smell mucous high grade fever than it could be bacterial infection which needs antibiotics treatment
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 mins ago
Q. Still having Loose stool once a day but with foul smell but without fever/vomit . 3days passed since she completed her antibiotic dosage.
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
7 mins ago
A. you will have to give ors for every episode of loose motion. you you cannot give heavy diet like milk to the child for few days as well as you cannot give sugar based food. you cannot give packet based foods as well as biscuit maida. kindly give curd buttermilk apple banana poha upma daliya. you can also give any recipe made from rice dal as well as sabudanxa khichdi. you cannot give outside juice as well as glucon d to the child. please meet your doctor because if it is viral or bacterial diarrhea will be confirmed only on examination.
give sachet econorm twice daily for 3days.
meet your doctor if it is not improving x
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