Foster a Healthy Self-Image in Your Children

Though this tip seems obvious, many children I see daily suffer from low self-esteem. Sometimes the source of their low self-esteem is the ridicule they endure at school or the images they compare themselves to on the covers of magazines. Sometimes they never had much self-esteem instilled in them from the start, and sometimes the source of their low self-esteem is clear when I see their parents spending our entire encounter criticizing their appearance or behavior.

No matter where the attacks are coming from, it is imperative to build and rebuild your child's confidence. A healthy self-image is like a high-walled defensive barrier that gives your child enough confidence to explore the world. If her walls are high enough, nobody will be able to fling rocks over them. At the end of a long day, take time to replace some of the damaged stones by emphasizing the positive things about your kids.

Starting the lessons when your children are young is crucial, since kids are developing eating disorders at younger and younger ages. There are many things you can do to encourage a healthy self-image. Teach your child that people come in all shapes and sizes. Involve him in sports. Teach him to incorporate exercise into his daily routine. Start by setting a good example. Let him know that you work out to stay healthy, to be strong, and to have more energy and stamina. Praise him, praise him again, and always keep criticism constructive.

Children with self-confidence have a strong sense of themselves and the values their parents have instilled in them. They are not as likely to be moved by peer pressure or flattery and are therefore less likely to experiment with drugs or alcohol or use sex to boost their self-worth. Your most important job as a parent is to be your kids' biggest cheerleader, not their toughest critic!

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Excerpted from:

From Raising Healthy Eaters: 100 Tips for Parents by Henry Legere, M.D. Copyright © 2004. Used by arrangement with The Perseus Books Group.

To order this book visit perseusbooksgroup.com.