Answer
It is not always easy, but by being alert and observing a child’s attitude and behavior, you can determine how much a particular child likes herself. Think about the following questions when you observe children:
Positive
*Do they seem to have confidence?
*Are they able to complete tasks that they set out to do?
*Do they get excited when offered the opportunity to try new things?
*Do they set goals that challenge their abilities without being impossible to achieve?
*Do they have dreams and ideas for what they would like to be when they
grow up?
Negative:
*Do they seem to lack confidence?
*Are they easily frustrated and often quit tasks before they are completed?
*Do they have trouble saying positive comments about themselves, or do they criticize themselves often?
*Do they get upset when given the opportunity to try new things because they are afraid of failing and being embarrassed?
*Do they set goals that are far below their ability or too difficult to achieve?
*Do they lack dreams and ideas of what they would like to be when they
grow-up?
Ways to Encourage A Positive Self-Concept in Children
1. Help children set reasonable goals and evaluate them realistically. Help them build on their personal strengths instead of always competing with others.
2. Encourage children to praise themselves by comparing behavior to their own past performance by using comparatives (better, faster, more understanding) because this enhances their ability to be more mutually supportive, rather than competitive of others.
3. Promote statements that sound believable and stress the speaker’s feelings because these are more difficult to dispute and require self-disclosure.
4. Advise staff to praise themselves; children learn by imitating adults.
5. Encourage children to praise others.