Contrary to those with low self-esteem, who tend to shy away from challenges, don't feel deserving of healthy friendships and relationships and often engage in risky behavior to fill their emotional void.
Parents play an important role in raising confident children by guiding them into discovering their own true identity: in helping them to discover who they truly are, their gifts, traits and interests. Ultimately, finding their uniqueness. Such children have a strong sense of belonging and purpose, they know where they fit in and what they bring to the table.
You may be asking “Is it really necessary to teach my child who he/she is? Wouldn’t they already know?”
Well, it is a tricky question with a tricky reply.
While some kids are aware of their unique personality, traits or strengths, the majority of kids are unable to create a list of their own positive attributed, when asked what makes them unique.
As a parent, you have been given the awesome gift of being able to watch a completely one-of-a-kind human being grow and develop. You are able to observe the areas where your child excels and thrives, as well as areas that may be challenging for them, and to come alongside your child helping them develop an awareness of these attributes.
When we become parents, we often come to know more about ourselves, our own gifts and challenges and, if we are alert and totally conscious of our journey, as parents, we become aware of what makes us unique as a person.
Reflecting on who we are and refining our self-identity constantly, we come to understand our own uniqueness and somehow, we become better equipped to enhance and boost our children’s self-identity and give them a solid foundation to find their true self and place in the world.
How do we support our children to find their true identity?
- What characteristics have you noticed consistently throughout your kids’ childhood?
- What seems to fill your child with a sense of purpose and fulfilment?
- What comes naturally to your child, and what has consistently been a struggle?
- When is your child the happiest and most fulfilled?
Keep these as examples of self-driving questions, when raise children with high self-esteem, because in a blink of an eye they will grow up into adults and you will want them to be confident adults with the ability to thrive and succeed in this ever-changing world.
The Aga Khan Education Board invites you to share questions, comments, ideas or proposals on topics to be addressed through the address [email protected]
