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Building Your Child's Self Esteem
A Sense of Uniqueness

by Kimberly L. Keith
for About.com

To Develop A Sense of UNIQUENESS Children Need to:
  • Know there is something special about themselves
  • Know and do things that no one else can do
  • Know others think them special
  • Express themselves in their own way
  • Use their imagination and expand their creativity
  • Respect themselves
  • Enjoy being different

How to Build Your Child's Sense of UNIQUENESS:

  • Communicate acceptance of your children.
  • Allow children to explain their feelings, attitudes, opinions, and actions.
  • Point out to children things about themselves that are different or special.
  • Increase opportunities for children to express themselves creatively.
  • Allow children to do things their own way as much as possible.
  • Don't ridicule or shame children.
  • Help children find acceptable ways to express themselves.
  • Use private praise with children who have a low sense of uniqueness.
  • Treat each child as an individual.

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