3.5 – How we can help develop our children’s self esteem feedback

Do any of these match your list?

Age	Encouragement
18 months	Give them a clap! Smile at them. Acknowledge their achievements – “Well done you used the potty”.
Five years	Use star charts. Praise their abilities – “That is fantastic”. Display their work.
11 years	Talk about what they are good at. Show you are proud of them (tell them, don’t assume they know) “I am so proud of you”. Acknowledge their achievements
15 years	Talk about what they are good at. Give positive encouragement and become involved (i.e. cheer them on at performances or sports events). “Exceptional performance”. Make time to talk about what’s important to them.
17 years	Tell them they look good (even if you don’t agree with their fashion sense!) Make time to take an interest in what they like (music, sport, friends). Tell them you are proud of them. “You are growing into a lovely young man/woman”.

You are very likely to continue to smile, clap, praise their abilities and achievements and get involved with them from babies to adults!