According to the American Psychological Association (APA), self-esteem is “the degree to which the qualities and characteristics contained in one’s self-concept are perceived to be positive.”
In other words, we are looking at who we are as a human being and deciding if what we see is positive or negative.
To boost our children’s self-esteem, we often externally validate what we view as positive behavior.
We see our children as fragile and don’t want them to feel hurt or “less than.”
In our society, it manifests as giving participation prizes, so that no child feels inferior to another.
We tip-toe around our children as if they might crumble at the slightest threat.
I believe a constant need for approval creates insecurity.
I believe true self-confidence is rooted in knowing our inherent worth.
We are children of God with a divine identity and absolutely nothing can change our worth.
This means believing you are valuable simply because you exist.
Not because of what you achieve or how you compare to others.
Our worth is intrinsic, not tied to what we do or how we perform.
Teaching our children that their worth is NOT based on external factors builds resilience.
They’ll learn to face challenges and failures WITHOUT feeling that it diminishes their value.
They’ll become more willing to take risks and try new things.
Because they know that their worth isn’t at stake.
And that’s a powerful gift.
Let’s help them see that true confidence comes from knowing who they are.
Not from what they DO.
