I have two children - a girl, age 7 and a boy, age 4 - and one of the things I try to do is reinforce good things about them so they have a good self image. For instance, one of the things I will do is out of the blue say "You're cute" to them when I pass them in the hall, or we are just sitting in the kitchen or living room together, or any other randon situation when I'm with them. I know they like it by the smile on their face when I say it. I know it's getting through and I'm setting a good example when, on their own, they say the same thing to me, or even better, they say it to each other (during those times when they aren't fighting with each other). My hope is that that what I tell them about themselves will counteract all the negative things they are told about themselves by society, and they will develop a good self image.
Reinforcing A Good Self Image
Submitted by Steve Edwards on November 14, 2006 - 9:25am.
Words are powerful stuff!
That's a great one Steve. It's amazing how powerful words can be.
I remember a few years ago one of my neighbors told me "My son was so excited when you referred to him as 'Big Man' - it made his whole day!" (I think I had said something as simple as "Hey there Big Man - how's it goin?")
I often remember key things that men in my life said to me during my younger years. Even something as simple as "Rick, you're a good kid and don't let anyone ever tell you differently" has come to mind many times over the years.