The Importance of Recognition
By Sheyanne Kent
Whether they make it known or not, every child wants to be celebrated and recognized. It’s actually a key component to ensuring a sense of self-esteem within your child. It is so vital to uplift your kids and to ensure a positive impact on their lives in the long run.
As parents, many times we can unknowingly deter our own children’s spirit simply by neglecting or ignoring their accomplishments. It may be something small like spewing a nonchalant “that’s great honey” without even looking at the drawing your child is proudly presenting to you; or, you may have the tendency to downplay your child’s accomplishments, like condemning them for that one B they received on their report card.
Even though we don’t always see it, these things can pose as a detriment to your child’s overall self-worth and inhibit them from pursuing their dreams in the future. How is little Jimmy going to have the confidence to go after his dream of being an artist when his own parents never nurtured his talents? The reinforcement of positivity and recognition in your children will be a catalyst in their developing their own sense of acknowledgment from within.
It’s easier than you think to recognize them during the day. Here are a few examples that might help.
- Thank them when they remember to take their dishes to the sink, or place in the dishwasher.
- Praise them when you see them sharing a toy or letting a friend “go first” in a game.
- Acknowledge their manners when they say “Please” and “Thank you.”
- Give them a task just a bit over their ability, then remark upon how good they did.
- Affirm their value and worth to the family as a whole regularly. This is crucial to establishing their worth as a human being throughout their entire lives.
We only get one shot at influencing these delicate minds. Using every tool in the toolbox helps to make a solid effort to raise responsible and healthy-minded adults.
