Self-esteem is crucial for leading a fulfilling life and achieving success. It enables individuals to solve problems, overcome obstacles, maintain a positive attitude, respect themselves, and live happily within society. Therefore, it is essential for parents to gradually build their children's self-esteem from their first year of life, helping them to value and trust in themselves and others.

1. Encourage children to express opinions that differ from adults. When children feel their thoughts are accepted by adults, they become more confident in expressing themselves and are pleased to be acknowledged, which helps them solve problems independently.

2. Show acceptance. Parents should use words that express acceptance of their children's attitudes or opinions to demonstrate recognition of the child. This approach helps children understand their importance, boosts their confidence, and encourages self-expression, but it does not mean allowing them to do anything they want.

3. Point out what makes them special compared to others. For example, saying, 'You colored this picture beautifully,' helps children feel good about themselves and recognize their strengths. Parents should highlight progress, such as, 'You couldn't do this before, but now you did great!' and reassure them that being different from others is also acceptable.

4. Allow children to solve problems and make decisions in their own way, with minimal parental interference. Providing appropriate time for them to succeed and receive parental acknowledgment will create a sense of accomplishment and value.

5. Provide opportunities for creative expression. Parents should supply sufficient materials for their children to express themselves creatively, such as paper, paint, and clay, as well as repurposed items like cardboard boxes. This encourages creativity and allows children to share their stories at school.

6. Give children time to express themselves creatively in their areas of interest without imposing strict guidelines or schedules. Avoid interruptions and consider that children can find creative uses for everyday items like sticks, cans, and paper rolls. Additionally, age-appropriate books and TV shows can inspire creative expression.

7. Provide constructive criticism without hurting feelings. Avoid mocking or belittling, as this may discourage children from expressing themselves and make them feel unrecognized. Parents should always judge children based on their actions, not their overall personality, as negative feelings can last a lifetime. If a child shows interest in something, support them and never belittle their abilities.

8. Teach children discipline and respect for rules. Offer guidance and find ways for them to express themselves appropriately. Instead of punishing them for mistakes, explain what went wrong. For example, being loud in their room is fine, but being loud in the living room when guests are present is not. Parents should encourage children to play or work without disturbing others and recognize their choices when they follow appropriate behavior.

9. Praise children whenever they do well. Children who feel they are not special may hesitate to accept compliments for their achievements and fear judgment from others. Parents should find personal ways to praise their children to show that their successes are significant and impressive.

10. Teach children to be good and virtuous. Children with high moral values feel special even if they are not exceptional in other areas like academics or sports. Parents should instill virtues such as honesty, kindness, and empathy, and also teach compassion towards animals.

11. Encourage a positive outlook. Teach children to observe the good in others, give sincere compliments, smile often, and find their strengths to foster self-respect. Encourage them to help others and make sacrifices for the greater good without fear of being unloved or abandoned.

12. Spend time with your children. Parents should assign responsibilities to their children and show interest in their activities, providing guidance when necessary. This reassurance helps children feel secure in knowing their parents love and care for them, which enhances their sense of worth.

Source: "Understanding Modern Teen Issues" by the Thai Pediatric Society, article on building self-esteem in children and adolescents by Kiat Yongpraveenwongkul, clinical psychologist. Tips for building self-esteem by age from the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. Article on 5 ways to boost children's pride from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth).

SOURCE: www.thaihealth.or.th