Self-love is one of the most important behavioural learnings that should be taught to children from a very young age. When we learn to love and prioritise ourselves, a lot of clarity comes in our decision-making. We learn to form better instincts on the people who we want to be with and the kind of life we envision for our future.
Accepting yourself completely is what self-love entails. It is a state of appreciation for oneself that results from behaviours that promote physical, psychological, and spiritual progress. It entails taking care of your own happiness, growth, and well-being.
Self-love is incredibly important for a child’s development and well-being. Self-love is the foundation for healthy relationships with others and it teaches children to recognise and value their own worth. When children develop a positive sense of self, they are more likely to have higher self-esteem, greater resilience, and better mental health. Following are some tips which parents can follow to build a sense of self love in their kids:
Model Self Love
Start by leading by example and demonstrating how to love and accept yourself. Show your kids how to practise self-care, find joy in their own company, and be kind to themselves.
Also read: A Complete Guide For Parents When Your Child Has Cancer
Encourage Positive Thinking
Help your child learn to recognise and replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Teach them to be aware of their inner dialogue, that can bring them down or lift them up, in order to promote a healthier mindset.
Help Them Identify Their Strengths
We all have unique and special gifts that make us who we are. Help your child recognise their own strengths and encourage them to use those.
Talk About Emotions
Teach your child to be in tune with their emotions and to express them healthily. Let them know that all emotions are valid, and that it’s OK to feel upset or down.
Encourage Gratitude
Practising gratitude helps us focus on what’s good in our lives and in ourselves. Encourage your child to take note of the things they are grateful for.
Set Boundaries
Teach your child to be respectful of their own needs and to set boundaries for themselves. Explain that it’s ok to say “no” to something if it doesn’t feel right.
Also read: Parenting Tips To Raise A Teenager
Show Unconditional Love
Remind your child that you love them unconditionally and that you will always be there for them no matter what. This will help them feel safe and secure and foster a sense of self-love.
Self-love is not solely about what you say to and think about yourself. It is also about who you open or extend yourself to. Some of us believe that to be loving, we must be open to all relationships no matter the consequences to our physical, emotional, or spiritual well-being.
Self-love helps children understand their own needs and emotions and to accept themselves as they are. It encourages children to be confident and to embrace their unique talents and abilities. Self-love also helps children to build better relationships with their peers and adults, as well as to take risks and make decisions for themselves.
When you teach your children to understand emotions and unconditionally love themselves, they will develop a healthy sense of self love naturally.
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