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Confidence can be a challenge for people regardless of age.
In a world where comparison is instinctive and validation is often sought from others, confidence has become a rickety subject for most. It’s now atypical for people to feel comfortable, so much so confident, in their skin. Society has slowly chipped away at their aptness to reaffirm themselves as they gradually become unsure of their value.
This is why it’s crucial to cultivate a sense of self-belief as early as childhood. Establishing self-worth in children will translate to not only confidence but also success in adulthood.
What Is Self-Worth, And Why Is It Important?
People may seek many things, but underneath everything, they desire only two: happiness and contentment. These are the fundamental ingredients to an abundant life. The material world would rarely provide these conditions. People may find joy in fulfilling their materialistic and immediate needs, but such a state comes and goes.
True happiness and contentment come from their self-worth.
Self-worth is a concept measured by people’s internal sense of self-satisfaction. How satisfied are they with themselves? Do they feel good enough and worthy of love?
People’s perceptions of themselves are influenced by a number of factors encompassing their totality. After all, more often than not, people don’t compartmentalize when it comes to how they define themselves. How good they believe they are as a person can’t only be measured by how competent they are in school or at work. Instead, they would have to observe how worthy they are of respect and love.
From this alone, it is already evident why self-worth should be integral to everyone’s life. It not only makes people feel they’re deserving of their lives. But it will also fill them with gratitude, which is essential in cultivating a positive outlook in life.
Hence, self-worth is necessary for an abundant life.
However, people aren’t born with the qualities needed to develop a stable sense of worth. Naturally, self-worth in children must be taught and shown.
What Is a Child’s Sense of Self-Worth?
Children view their worth differently than how it should be. Theirs is based on more simplistic things, such as when they feel liked, confident, and accepted. Hence, they may already feel worthy of love when they do well in school. They may feel liked and accepted when they share their snacks or toys. These are the things that make them proud of themselves.
Self-worth in children is best defined and illustrated by children’s book authors. They can capture what encompasses the concept from the children’s perspective.
Among the multiple books under her name, Sarah’s Touch is among the most consequential and touching story author Carla Atkinson has written.
A book promoting self-worth for children, it follows Sarah’s life as she interacts with others and forms social relationships by herself. Her story and how she builds herself to others show the importance and influence of her touch or the impact she leaves on the world.
“Sarah never just cleaned a room. She added a flower here or a pillow there. Somehow, her touch made everything meaningful and special.”
The lesson Carla Atkinson wishes to impart is that Sarah’s touch makes everything around her special, as she, herself, is exceptional. Her story carries with it the certainty that everyone has value and is special in their own ways. They leave an impact regardless of what they do and where they are. Hence, self-worth in children isn’t measured in their achievements. Instead, it’s best observed in the values they uphold in their behaviors and decisions.
How Adults Teach Self-Worth in Children?
When they have yet to understand what truly and genuinely defines their worth, children have to depend on adults’ guidance. They have to show what self-worth in children means, helping them make the right decisions that will help them feel proud and fulfilled in themselves.
At a time when they’re still naïve about how the world functions, adults play a critical role in shaping children’s sense of worth.
Pay Attention to Them
Paying full attention is the first step in cultivating the idea that they matter. Listen attentively and be present when they’re around. This makes children feel that they matter, they’re heard, and their voices are significant. Attention is the most apparent way to develop self-worth in children.
However, it is also necessary to ensure they don’t become too spoiled of it.
Be Affectionate With Them
Parents are naturally tender to their children. But more often than not, their affection diminishes when children grow older. Instead of limiting affection to their age, show children they’re cared for and loved by showering them with it verbally and physically. Hold them and affirm their skills and worth. Spend time with them and ensure they receive all the attention and affection they need.
Communicate Clearly With Them
Whether it’s negative or positive, communicate with children. Let them know what they’ve done well or what they shouldn’t be doing. They will not only feel seen when talked to but also respected, which is vital for them. Even when this isn’t through compliments or reprimands, talk to children. Adults should let them know how they’re feeling.
Overall, children need love and emotional support to feel worthy. These nurture how positively they perceive themselves, a demonstration of what builds self-worth. If you’re interested in learning more about self-worth in children, Carla Atkinson illustrates it perfectly in her book.
Grab a copy of Sarah’s Touch and understand its importance for children!
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