Understanding and Building Self-Worth in Kids

Understanding Self-Worth in Kids—

Many define self-worth as how  good one feels about oneself.  But this is neither a true nor accurate definition of self worth.  Rather, self-worth is an unconditional feeling of worthiness and value.

The questions is do we think we are worthy or allow ourselves to feel worthy regardless of  “conditions”? In truth, everyone is valuable beyond measure.  Indeed, self-worth is unconditional and ever-present and available to all.

It is imperative to understand that true self-worth is ever-present and free from all conditions.Yet many people suffer from low self-worth, which can, in turn, lead to low self-esteem.

Consider this!

By high school only 29% of girls report that they are happy the way there are. This means that a whopping 71% of high school girls are not happy with themselves!

Here are even more shocking facts about girls’ self-esteem:

• One-third of all girls in grades nine to 12 think they are overweight, and 60 % are trying to lose weight.
• Only 56% of seventh graders say they like the way theylook.
• Girls question their own beauty: between 50 and 70 % of girls of normal weightbelieve they are overweight
• Children with very low self-esteem, or what the researchers calledself-derogation, are 1.6 times more likely to meet the criteria fordrug dependence than other children.

Causes of Low Self-Worth

The causes of low self-worth are many, but one of the most common is when an individual determines their personal worth based on their successes and achievements.

This is an external definition of one’s worth and will vary in relation to external circumstances, resulting in a loss of self-worth when goals are not met.

Self Worth in Kids

Improving self-worth in kids (and anyone else really) is very straightforward.  One must shift their perceived worth from an external scale based on accomplishments to an unconditional internal scale of worthiness.

Basically, improved self worth boils down to the belief that one is valuable simply because, period!

If you know a kid (or anyone else) who suffers from low self-worth, try this. Sit together without distraction, very gently and as lovingly as you can look the person in the eye and tell her:

“You are valuable in every single way EXACTLY as you are, right now.”

Say it, and say it, and say it again, until you are certain that on some level the words have sunk in.  Then, say it one more time so that you both feeeeeeel it deep inside.

Improving One’s Sense of Self Worth

Remember, self-worth is an unconditional feeling of worthiness and value; one that is inside of everyone and that simply needs to be called forth.  Improving self-worth is as simple as calling forth that cord of worthiness that runs through each and everyone of us. Improving, building and strengthening a child’s gauge of their self-worth really is that simple.

By the way, individuals can use this process by speaking the words to themselves in the reflection of a mirror.  This is a very powerful experience!

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“A sweet, simple self-esteem building journal for kids!”

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Related Articles:

1. 10 Tips to Building Healthy Self Esteem in Kids