All parents try their best to instill good habits and traits in their children from a young age. They aspire to help their little ones grow and become generous, kind, confident, and successful adults. Of these traits, the most important is self-esteem. It is a characteristic that can make or break a person.

Jonah Engler points out that a child with high self-esteem will be more likely to achieve their goals and enjoy a happy life, while a child with low self-worth may find it harder to succeed and may suffer from depression or anxiety. There are many reasons why your child may have low self-esteem. It could be due to the way they were raised, their experiences, or even their genes.

Jonah Engler Explains Reasons Why Your Child May Have Low Self-Esteem

Lack of love and attention

Jonah Engler points out that one of the main reasons your child may have low self-esteem is that they feel unloved, unimportant, and undervalued in their own household. This can happen if you don’t spend enough time with them, show them physical affection, listen to them when they talk, or keep their opinions in account when making decisions.

Constant criticism

Constant criticism and negative talk are likely to make a child believe they’re not good enough. The insecurity can cause them to downplay their potential and affect their self-image. To combat this, try to focus on their positive qualities and praise them when they do something well.

Comparisons with others

Comparing your child to other kids is a key to disaster. It makes them feel inferior and causes them to lose confidence and feel like they must compete with everyone around them to prove their worth. Make them feel worthy and boost their confidence by informing them they’re unique and special in their own way.

Unrealistic expectations

Parents who place too much pressure raise kids who feel their worth solely depends on their accomplishments. It’s essential to encourage them and let them know that it’s okay to make mistakes. Remember, your children are humans and not machines. They are bound to make errors, get tired, and often fail. However, Jonah Engler emphasizes that these failures do not define them or their personality.

Bullying

Bullying is a highly traumatic and emotionally crippling experience that mustn’t be taken lightly. If your kid is being constantly bullied and taunted at their school, there will come a time when they’ll start believing these comments. Their mind can force them to think that the problem isn’t in the bully but within their own being, massively lowering their sense of self. It’s important to give them a space where they can openly discuss this situation and explain what’s happening to them.

Unstable Family Environment

An unstable or dysfunctional family environment can also lead to low self-esteem in children. If constant fighting, yelling, or physical abuse occurs at home, kids will feel unsafe and insecure. This can damage their self-image and make them believe that they are worthless. Children who witness domestic violence are especially prone to developing low self-esteem.

Bottom Line

Jonah Engler believes that parents often unknowingly contribute to a situation that negatively impacts a child’s self-worth. You must understand that your actions have consequences and that your behavior towards your child primarily affects their view of themselves.