September

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent,” Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think,” “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”

What is self-esteem? Self-esteem is how much you value and like yourself. It’s your overall opinion of yourself and how you feel about yourself, even when you make mistakes.

Self-esteem and well-being
• People with healthy self-esteem tend to be happier and more confident. They’re also better able to handle life’s challenges.
• People with low self-esteem tend to feel unhappy or unsatisfied with themselves. They may also feel less able to take on life’s challenges.

Parents’ self-esteem can be significantly impacted by unhealed past trauma, often leading to a strong desire to heal and process those experiences, especially when they become parents themselves as they may not want to repeat patterns from their own childhood.

Key points about parents and past trauma:

Negative impact on parenting:
When traumas are not dealt with, they can lead to worries and insecurities, causing parents to show inconsistent behavior and having difficulty setting boundaries for children.

Impact on self-esteem:
Past trauma can often lead to low- self-esteem, causing parents to doubt their abilities as good caregivers.

Importance of self-awareness:
Accepting how past encounters might affect parenting behaviors is very important for dealing with issues and working towards healing.

How parents can work on healing past trauma:

Therapy: Seeking therapy can offer a safe space to understand traumatic experiences, begin coping mechanisms, and learn better patenting skills.

Support Groups: Meeting with other parents who have gone through similar traumas can provide proof and a sense of belonging.

Mindfulness Practice: Deep breathing exercises and writing down your thoughts can help regulate stress and emotions.

Healthy Lifestyle: Getting enough sleep can have a positive impact on your mental health and survival strength.

Improving Self-Esteem:
1. Setting limits
2. Learning to accept failures or setbacks
3. Learning self-acceptance
4. Treating yourself with kindness and understanding

Parents can help children build self-esteem by being a good role model, helping them set goals, and praising and rewarding them for trying.

Be a Good Role Model:
1. Be aware of your words and actions in the presence of your children
2. Treat yourself with compassion and love

Set Goals:
1. Help children set manageable goals
2. Reviewing progress together
3. Celebrate small wins

Praise Efforts:
1. Motivate your children to see their strengths
2. Say things like “You must be feeling so good about yourself”
3. Talk about your children’s capabilities to others when they can overhear you

Thoughtful Quotes:

 Parent should make an effort to stay clear of negative criticisms “The greatest gift a parent can give their child is the gift of unconditional love.” -Nelson Mandela

 “Parenting is the most challenging and rewarding job you’ll ever have.” – Jill Smokler

 “The best way to teach your children is to be what you want them to be.” – Mahatma Gandhi