Proactive Parenting: 3 Recent Studies Show You How To Build Kids' Self-Esteem

It seems researchers are always studying childhood self-esteem issues, so what does recent research on self-esteem show parents? The following 3 new studies give parents critical insight into how to raise confident, responsible children who have healthy self-esteem:

Belonging to groups builds strong self-esteem.

Two universities teamed up for a study on the effects of group membership on self-esteem. The researchers studied different age ranges of people to discover how belonging to a group or groups influences how people feel about themselves.

They determined from their research that happiness and self-esteem aren't necessarily inside jobs. The experience of connecting to others through group memberships was found to build self-esteem in the test subjects, even outweighing the benefits of having a large circle of friends

Put these findings to good use by encouraging your kids to join scouts, the choir, or a sports team. When they express an interest in wanting to join a club or church group, help them to make that a reality. Provide transportation to ball practice and rehearsals. Get involved with your kids' activities and offer them the support they need to be part of the group.

Cyberbullying affects nearly one fourth of all kids.

Analysis of over 30 social media studies has shown that 23% of young people are being bullied online. When kids are teased, slandered, and stalked on social media sites, it can lead to problems like depression, drug abuse, and behavioral changes.

Protect your kids by minimizing their access to social media. Set limits on how often and how long your children are online. Provide alternatives like family movie night and board game night. Take trips to local parks, libraries, and skating rinks. Let your child bring along a friend or two for companionship.

When you set limits, you may face some wrath from internet-addicted youngsters, but keeping them unplugged and engaged with real life activities helps soften the blows of any online bullying they may encounter.

Positive parenting wins again.

Strength-based parenting was the focus of a recent university study. Researchers wanted to know how this parenting style influences the way kids deal with their weaknesses. This recent study finds strength-based parenting is a vital part of helping kids cope with adversity.

Practice strength-based parenting by removing the negatives from your communication with your kids. You want them to develop healthy internal dialog, so find positive things to say when you catch your kids doing the right things, and minimize nagging, yelling, and name-calling.

Give kids opportunities for success, and encourage them to try hard no matter the outcome. Kids who feel that their parents believe in them and see them as good people will grow up with positive self-esteem.

Sometimes parents forget how forceful the impact of words and actions can be. Building self-esteem in children requires involvement, patience, and positivity. Treat your children as you would treat anyone that you sincerely respect. They will in turn grow up to respect you, themselves, and other people. Contact a company like Aikido Northshore for more information.