Developing a Good Self Image

Some people do care what others feel about them or think about them.  They want to make a lasting impression.  For them, having a good self-image matters a lot. And it should matter a lot, not just for a selected few, but for everybody because having a healthy image is not just about making impressions.  It is also about gaining confidence that enables one to succeed later in life. 

Developing a good self image must begin early on in life.  And a parent’s love and guidance through the years have a lot to do with this.  A child who is nurtured and cared for by her parents is more likely to develop a healthy image of herself than a child who is constantly verbally and physically abused. 

Showing respect to a child, no matter how old she is, is a way of developing a healthy image.  Remember that a child is also a human being, deserving of attention and love.  Value your child.  Let her know how important she is.  Let her know, too, that everything she says matters to you.  Appreciate anything she does for you, regardless of whether it is of life and death significance or not. 

Also, develop a good self image in a child by focusing on her positive points.  Identify her talents and skills and encourage her to enhance these skills.  Motivate her.  If your child has a musical inclination, enrol her in a music class.  Let her take piano lessons or voice lessons.

If your child shows some talent in painting, let her take lessons in art, too.  If your child loves to read, invest some money in books and find time to read with her.  Support and cultivate her God-given talents.   All these build up a child’s awareness of her own capabilities, improving her image and self-worth and the way she looks at herself.

You may also develop a healthy image in your child by involving her in activities you are also involved in.  Allow her to help you in the kitchen.  Let her cook with you. Let her tend to the garden with you. Let her help you in any way.  Give her responsibilities.  Ask her to go shopping with you.  Let her choose for you once in a while.  Let her know that her opinion matters to you.  This should make her feel important.  And this helps bring about a healthy self image. 

Teach your child the beauty of life, but teach her also that life is not perfect.  There may be problems along the way.  She may be bound to get hurt or suffer a loss of any kind.  She may experience sadness, fear, or anxiety. A child who sees things as bright and beautiful only may be devastated later on when an unforeseen unfortunate circumstance should happen. 

Finally, allow your child to voice out her opinion. Do not insist on your opinion all the time.  Mothers may know better, but allowing your child to speak her thoughts out makes her aware that she, too, has a voice of her own.  This will allow her to have a good self image and to grow and blossom into a beautiful woman.