CHILD GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING* 1 HOUR * LEVEL 2
Supporting Self-Esteem in Young Children
High Self-Esteem
Page 8
Course Glossary
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High self-esteem may also fluctuate depending upon experiences and interactions, but we can continue to believe good things about ourselves even when we may not have full confidence in ourselves.
Some factors that influence self-esteem:
Social status. Different social roles carry different preconceived notions with them that can influence self-esteem. For example, a child that comes from a wealthy family may have higher self-esteem because of the prestige that is connected to their perceived status.
Reaction from others. When we get positive reactions from others, it boosts our self-esteem. Likewise, negative reactions can lower our self-esteem. For example, if a child shows his or her drawing to a group of students and the students have a positive reaction, this may boost their self-esteem.
Comparison to others. Children often compare themselves to their peers. Children will notice the differences between appearance, social groups, and academic and athletic ability. This can lead to fluctuations in self-esteem.
Self-image. Self-image is what we see in ourselves. Though a child’s self-image may still be developing, older children have a well-developed self-image. This is affected by many factors including parental input, friends, and media sources. Typically children will describe themselves in terms of their personalities and opinions, versus their social circles.