Helping Children Feel Good About Themselves

If you find yourself saying things that hurt...

STOP.

Think about what you are saying. Why are you so upset? Is it really the child, or are you mad about something else?

LISTEN.

How would you feel if someone said those words to you? Would you speak to an adult that way?

TAKE A MINUTE.

Step back from the situation. Talk to someone about the problem. Call a good friend, your pastor, a teacher or a doctor.

REMEMBER.

You are not alone. Many parents have faced similar stress. Find out how to handle it without blowing up at your child.

TAKE A PARENTING COURSE.

Good parenting skills can be learned. Read a parenting book and try out some of the ideas.

CATCH YOUR CHILD BEING GOOD.

Children want to be successful. Praise them for cooperating, doing homework on time, acting responsibly. Let them know that you appreciate their behavior.

GIVE LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY.

Tell your children that you love them, even when you do not like what they have done. Say it daily, "I love you."

HELP YOURSELF.

If you were emotionally abused as a child, take steps to help yourself. A strong parent is better able to deal with difficult parenting situations. Contact a counselor, social worker, or psychologist and seek help.