What's The Best Way To Teach A Child Self-esteem?

How to teach a child self-esteem -
*Learn from your own childhood experiences
*Be as flexible as you can be
*Give lots of praise and minimise criticism
*Share lots of time and attention
*Lots of physical affection and demonstration of love
*Communicate clearly
*Unconditional love
Time and attention are the most precious gifts you can give a child. Do simple things together and give of yourself freely. It's far more important than toys or games or expensive holidays. Love and laughter and shared fun will be remembered well into adult life.

We now know that a child can never be loved or praised or hugged too much; indeed, we have bumper stickers on cars that advise, `Hug a child a day!' We know now that these gifts are more vital to a child's emotional and physical health than food, shelter and clothing.

Communicate clearly and positively in all areas of life. Sex education is particularly crucial. If a child feels listened to and heard  (not always the same thing!) this will do wonders for its self-esteem. If he/she asks an uncomfortable question and you don't flinch from it but explain as clearly as you can, the child will be perfectly satisfied but if you prevaricate, you will set up doubt and self-criticism.

Give unconditional love. I don't believe that parents really withdraw their love when they are angry with their children but rejection combined with the removal of approval can translate in a child's mind to being unloved, being `bad.' So it is vital to always emphasise that it's the action or behaviour you're angry with, not the child. When forced to criticise or discipline, always do it in a loving way. I realise that this is a tall order but the results are worth the effort.