As your child develops its important they grow in a secure, caring and nurturing environment. There have been numerous academic studies suggesting that the early development years will have a resounding impact on how they will cope later in life. Here are some tips on what you can do to make your little ones feel good about themselves:

Feeling Safe

Children like to feel safe. Give them lots of cuddles and keep them out of harms way. Tell them that you are there to help them when they need it but don’t get too carried away or you might become a slave!
Belonging

Perhaps the most important aspect of early development is the need to belong. My little boy came up with the expression “all family together” reflecting the comfort he feels being a member of our family. Tell them how much they are appreciated, especially when they do things that please you. Make sure they know that they are an important part of the team.
Self Esteem
Children like to feel they can do things well and they love to be praised. Give them the approval they need. I tell my boy he’s the best boy in the whole world. I also tell him he’s got the best Mum in the whole world. It makes me feel better and probably gives him some extra comfort! If you have more than one child, be very careful to share your praise not just favour one child. Focus on their strengths. If they can do something well they feel good about themselves. My little girl was a great climber from a very young age. She was so pleased at her own prowess that she created her own nickname “I’m Jemima the climber”. My son is good at drawing. He’s also prolific but I make sure I put all those pictures up on my bedroom wall so he knows his work is appreciated.
Independence
If they are ever going to leave home they will need to develop their own independence. Allowing them to make there own choices is a great way of doing this. Let them choose their own food (within certain guidelines of course) or let them choose their own activities like riding their bike in the park or going swimming. No doubt they will choose both but it still helps them establish their own independent thought and lets them know they have control of their own destiny. I have found that introducing them to saving is also a good way of establishing their independence. Instead of always having to ask for things they want they know if they can save enough money they will be able to buy something themselves.
By Georgina Grant