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"The world will ask you who you are, and if you do not know, the world will tell you."
Canadian youth are in crisis. A Canadian Mental Health Association survey conducted in 2015 showed that 61% of youth aged 15 to 24 reported “feeling self-conscious about themselves or worrying about what others think of them,” and 64% reported feeling like they’re not good enough.
This low self-esteem or a negative view of oneself, low self-worth, and a lack of confidence in one’s abilities and values can lead to mental illness or addictions. Children who experience low self-esteem have a persistent negative view of themselves, low self-worth, and a lack of confidence in one’s abilities and value. They believe they are inadequate, unlovable, and inferior; they may be overly self-critical, worry excessively about making mistakes, and compare themselves unfavourably to others.
Various factors, including negative life experiences, chronic stress, a history of abuse or neglect, and mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, can cause low self-esteem in children. Additionally, children who are bullied or experience social rejection may be at increased risk for developing low self-esteem.
Parents, caregivers, and educators can play an essential role in helping children develop healthy self-esteem. Promoting positive self-esteem in children may include providing encouragement and support, focusing on their strengths and accomplishments, and fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance. Also, modelling healthy self-esteem behaviours, such as positive self-talk and self-care, can help children develop these skills. If a child struggles with low self-esteem, seeking support from a mental health professional who works with children may be helpful.
Celebrating a child’s accomplishment can boost their confidence, but unhealthy practices can have the opposite effect.
Excessive focus on external validation: When parents place too much emphasis on external validation, such as praise and rewards, it can create a mindset in the child that their worth is based solely on their achievements. This can lead to a fear of failure and a lack of resilience.
Comparison with others: If parents constantly compare their child’s accomplishments to those of other children, it can lead to jealousy and resentment and damage their self-esteem.
Undermining other children’s accomplishments: If parents undermine or belittle other children’s achievements to make their own child’s accomplishments seem more significant, it can create a competitive and unhealthy atmosphere.
Overindulging the child: If parents shower their child with too many rewards or treats for their accomplishment, it can create an entitlement mentality and an unhealthy expectation that prizes and treats should always follow success.
Ignoring the effort: If parents only celebrate the outcome of the achievement and do not recognize the effort and hard work that went into it, it can send the message that only success matters, rather than the process and effort put in.
It is important to celebrate a child’s accomplishment in a healthy and balanced way that emphasizes effort, intrinsic motivation, and character development rather than just the external outcome. Parents can help their children develop resilience, self-esteem, and a healthy sense of self-worth.
Here are seven ideas to help you celebrate the leader in the making in your life.
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