As parents, it's heartbreaking to hear children say negative things about themselves. But as children grow older and begin thinking about the world in more complex ways, they also become more self-critical. Alarmingly, studies show that self-esteem, for many children, takes a sharp drop starting around age eight, and this decline continues into the early teen years. So, how can you turn the tide on this upsetting trend and help your child build genuine self-esteem?
Today's kids face intense pressures at school, with friends, and in life. But one of the most prevalent causes of worry in children is the fear of the unknown. Whether they are starting at a new school, trying out for a new sport, or going to a sleepover-for many kids who worry, it can be difficult moving from "What if?" to "Why not?" and trying new things. Sound familiar?