Resources: Know how - Self-esteem

2. Children need to be listened to and valued. Criticism can undermine them and make them not want to bother in future. That's why it is good never to miss a chance for a bit of praise, whether for a piece of work, a contributed opinion or some other positive behaviour. Encouragement should be meaningful to the child. Finding something, even a small thing, to praise that the child believes in is better than blanket general enthusiasm that children will soon learn to devalue.

3. Being withdrawn and lacking friends can be a sign of low self-esteem. But remember that it is natural for everyone to want to be quiet or not to feel confident at times. Sometimes this is in particular settings. Watch out too for signs of low self-esteem that are less intuitive or obvious. A child who boasts or has an exaggerated impression of their own ability may actually have low self-esteem. Low self-esteem is traditionally linked with being bullied. But those doing the bullying may also be suffering from it themselves.