Challenge 4, Part 2: Self Worth

Ok.  I looked up the definition of self worth, figuring that this would be a fun way to start each topic for the week.  But guess what?  It's practically the same definition as self esteem.

Not funny.

So instead of continuing on my negative rant about my lack of self, I want to share some information I found on the world-wide-web about building self worth and self esteem in children.  I know I learned something from these articles, so maybe someone else will, too, and one less child will grow up feeling like damaged goods.

"Self-esteem also can be defined as feeling capable while also feeling loved. A child who is happy with an achievement but does not feel loved may eventually experience low self-esteem. Likewise, a child who feels loved but is hesitant about his or her own abilities can also develop low self-esteem. Healthy self-esteem comes when a good balance is maintained." -- Kids Health dot org
I LOVE the definition that is underlined above.  Interesting, isn't it, that as in many areas, if not all areas of life, self esteem is also a balance?

"Once people reach adulthood, it's harder to make changes to how they see and define themselves.  So, it's wise to think about developing and promoting self-esteem during childhood. As kids try, fail, try again, fail again, and then finally succeed, they develop ideas about their own capabilities..." -- Kids Health dot org
Again, such truth here.  Part of what I love doing as a teacher is being encouraging.  In my classroom we don't say something is "too hard" instead we refer to it as "a challenge."  Failure is part of our day, every single day, but because I've worked hard to develop a nurturing classroom environment, we keep at it, and in the end, a sense of accomplishment along with a hug, well, it goes a long way for these little ones!

"Kids with low self-esteem see temporary setbacks as permanent, intolerable conditions, and a sense of pessimism prevails.  Kids with healthy self-esteem know their strengths and weaknesses, and accept them. A sense of optimism prevails." -- Kids Health dot org
No explanation needed. 

"It is important to remember that all children go through stages of high and low self-esteem as they grow and face difficult challenges." -- Parenting dot org
This short little article came with some observable characteristics of positive self worth and poor self worth in children.

To be honest, I have no idea how many people reading this blog even have kids.  What I found helpful in reading about how to build self worth in kids is knowing that there are things that can be done to improve my sense of self worth right now, as an adult.  And that it isn't too late to do so, it just makes the job a little tougher to do as an adult then it would be as a child.