Imagine your son or daughter approaches the large mirror in
the hall and asks the question, “Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who’s the Fairest
of them all?” Now, imagine you are that
“mirror” providing feedback to your child. What do you want your child to see
in that mirror?
Adults can be central in creating the world that young
people experience. Our children begin
developing their sense of self-worth at a very young age. This awareness begins with parents and
caregivers and expands as the child matures to include peers, friends,
community members and the media. Young
people pay attention to messages or comments from these individuals who are
important or significant in their lives.
As responsible adults we must be aware that we are consistently sending
verbal and nonverbal messages to our children in regards to their self-worth.
Girls and boys are being bombarded with too many messages
encouraging them to strive for what is labeled the “ideal” body. They are being inundated with false
information that encourages them to neglect or abuse their bodies to attain a
certain body shape. These messages come
from the media, individuals outside the young person’s home, and sometimes
unknowingly from parents and caregivers.
Young people’s feelings of self-worth could be damaged if they are
unable to separate reality from idealism.
For example, photos of models in fashion magazines typically are
enhanced. We must help our children understand that technological advancements
make it possible to change every aspect of our bodies – eye color, whiter
teeth, body shape reconfiguration, and even to render a photo using a composite
of several different bodies!
To encourage healthy self-esteem in your home try one or
more of the following activities:
·
Instead of focusing on young people’s
appearances, provide encouragement (both verbal and nonverbal) to help children
develop their skills, talents and citizenship at home and in the community.
·
Watch TV or videos with young people and help
them identify inappropriate behavior.
·
Look at magazines with children and explain how
photos are retouched.
·
Engage in family activities that do not include
the media (e.g., play board games, participate in outdoor sports, attend
cultural events, visit a museum)
·
Prepare and eat meals together.
·
Create a family scrapbook celebrating each
child’s wonderful and unique qualities that DO NOT include physical
appearances.
As responsible adults we can give children positive feedback
that encourages them to embrace and celebrate their entire and unique
selves! The following link is a sweet perspective on how we as adults play such a significant role in how our children see the world. Enjoy!
If you would like to learn more about this topic or other UT
Extension Programs in Sequatchie County:
visit our Website,
Article written by: Aneta Eichler, UT
Extension Agent I, Sequatchie County
Reference: Maintaining a Positive
and Healthy Self-Esteem: What Can Adults Do? –
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension HE Form 550
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