Developing a Healthy Sense of Self in School-Age Children

Children develop a sense of identity from a young age, and it is influenced by the feedback they receive from important adults, their peers, and their own self-evaluation. It starts with how adults respond to them and is further developed through positive emotional bonds with parents and caregivers. Playtime is an opportunity for parents to follow the child's example and promote their interests. As children grow older, their ability to interact satisfactorily with their environment encourages healthy self-concept.

Self-concept can be defined as the vision that one has of oneself and of one's abilities. Developing a positive self-concept at an early age allows a child to feel competent, try new things, and strive for success. Kids need to know that first place isn't the goal, but that their best personal brand is a victory, no matter where they are. When children learn to solve their own problems, they develop confidence and, therefore, a positive self-concept. Being connected keeps the lines of communication open, and this is especially important as your child approaches adolescence.

Activities that show a clear cause-and-effect connection help show young children that their actions can affect their environment. The Illinois Early Learning Project website is a reliable source of information on early care and education for parents, caregivers, and teachers of young children in Illinois. Introduce them to self-care and self-love: one of the most important traits for developing a sense of identity is being familiar with yourself and valuing yourself. A strong sense of self can also help them develop relationships and establish a strong foundation for future social interactions. As parents, we have the opportunity (and the responsibility) to foster a positive self-concept in our children. There is no best practice to ensure that children develop a healthy sense of self; it requires a lot of experiences over time.

Brainstorm how you can help children develop a healthy sense of self-esteem in the school-age learning environment.