This document provides tips for building self-esteem in children and adults. It recommends allowing children to explore without criticism, dedicating quality time without phones, challenging negative self-talk, focusing on personal strengths rather than comparing to others, taking action despite fears of failure, being a positive role model, conveying expectations of success, and asking for help as a new parent instead of doubting instincts.

1. Self-Esteem
Support System

2. Childhood Experiences Which
Lead to Low Self-Esteem
Allow your child to experiment and explore new activities
without providing them correction. If they fail, encourage them
to try again until they succeed. If they are frustrated,
give them a helpful prompt.

3. Dedicate Time ToYour Child
Dedicate time to spend with your child. Don’t timeshare
quality time between your child and your mobile device.

4. The Perfectionist &
Procrastinator
People with low self-esteem may try to
perfect or put off completing a project. They
fear that if they fail then they are perceived
as a complete failure. Set due dates and
accept your project as complete.

5. Challenge the Inner Critic
The first important step in improving self-esteem
is to begin to challenge the negative messages of
your internal critic. Just because the voice
speaks, does not mean what it says is true or
accurate. When the critic speaks, say “Cancel!
Cancel!” This breaks the pattern.

6. Unlearning Low Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem is learned. People aren’t born with a low-esteem
gene. Every single child is born confident, self-loving and
self-appreciating, but along the way interactions and events
change a person’s perception of their own intrinsic worth. Good
self-esteem grows from positive habits.

7. Share Not Compare
We are not identical to others so it doesn’t benefit you
to compare yourself to others. Develop your
self-image by discovering who you really are and
sharing that with the world.

8. Take action! You won't develop belief in yourself by
sitting on the sidelines and avoiding challenges. When
you take action-regardless of the ensuing result, you
will feel better about yourself.

9. Be the Role Model
Be a positive role model. If you have
confidence, it will rub off on your child. It’s
ok to say you are nervous, but show your
child how to push through the fear.

10. Set the Expectation
for Success
Whether for yourself or your child,
convey a message that you believe
success is inevitable. Children and
adults strive to live up to the
expectations role models
set for them.

11. Confidence for New Parents
Accept that this is a new role and you don’t have all the answers.
Enlist other’s help. When in doubt about your child’s health, call your
pediatrician. Follow your instincts, but ask for
help when you need it.