skills4teaching

Children can sometimes feel like their not good at anything. It is up to you to be aware of their strengths and build on them. Find out what they are good at and expand on that. Make it a positive and successful experience for them. We want our children to feel good about ourselves and one of the ways we can build their self-esteem is by acknowledging their strengths. For example, maybe the child is not so active, but he can sure grasp a spoon well and mix his food, you can have him help you bake something. Children sometimes won’t want to try something because they are afraid to fail. You can help that process by setting up materials, or puzzles for example, that are age appropriate. Also, set up activities that set them up to succeed. Don’t set out puzzles that are too difficult. Encourage your child with “Look again, you can do it!” When they complete the activity let them know your so proud of them and that they did a great job, it will make them feel great inside. You can even help them along the away step by step if they need it, and encourage them when needed. 

Encourage children to tie their shoes, zip their jackets up (if they need you to get it started, that is absolutely fine), serve themselves food and pour their own drink. You are not making things easier by doing things for them, they need to learn to be independent.

Here is a list of possible responsibilities to encourage:

Hang up coat

Set the table

Clear the table

Water plants

Feed pets

Help cook

Turn on/off computer

Help with clean up

Use the bathroom on their own

Wash hands

brush teeth and hair

Make bed

Put on pj’s

Put on shoes

Put away books where they belong

Put away all toys where they belong (You can say “I’ll help you,” if they give you a hard time and if it’s alot to put away).

When you give children successful opportunities they will develop a great sense of self. Make it a point to make your child feel good about themselves. Let them know you accept them with verbal and nonverbal cues.

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