BUILDING SELF-ESTEEM AMONG CHILDREN THIS TIME OF PANDEMIC

The moment we had our Work from Home scheme to combat the rising number of Covid-19 cases
in the country or in the province gave us the time to unleash our inner Super Parents selves. Working at
home while seeing our children doing the things they want to do in our abode relieves as from all anxieties
we feel while the news all over the television revolves mostly on the rising death toll, decreasing or
increasing number of covid-19 patients’ recovery, and the number of new cases in just a single day. On a
brighter side, the existence of Covid-19 pandemic to us working parents is that we are able to make a
better bond and communication towards our growing children. In more than 8 hours per day 5 days a week
shift allotted time working in the department our time is owned solely by the Government, and finally, the
pandemic had given us the chance to be with our off springs. Much of self-building in children depends on
what parents say and do, parental behavior in the home is a factor in the strengthening or weakening of the
child’s self-image.

One thing I wanted to do during pandemic is reading and realizing its content it was all about
strategies for parents and educators on how to help children develop self-esteem, points taken are as
follows:

1.) Value Children – Parents as we are must express unconditional affection and acceptance
towards our children to create atmosphere that promotes optimistic attitudes and willingness to
take risks. One of the best ways for parents to show how much we value them is to spend time
together in an activity of our child’s choice. When children know that parents value them
enough to spend time with them, they feel their inherent worth.
2.) Listen to Children – Always be an all-ears to whatever our children’s experiences and opinions
without interruption and should not tell the child how to feel. Acknowledging how they feel hurt
or frightened and hearing them thoughtfully and respectfully helps children to learn to trust
themselves and their feelings.
3.) Set appropriate boundaries and expectations – Parents who set firm and consistent
boundaries for children’s behavior tend to create environments that are reasonable and
predictable, where children feel safe to explore and take risks. Knowing what they are
expected to them would more likely do their best to meet those expectations, creating a sense
of security. Disciplining with warmth and caring would make children respond with appropriate

1|MAYELA LOU A. MELLOMIDA

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - III
 behaviors. When the house rules are broken, consequences must not be so harsh, but should
administered in a way self-respect is maintained.
4.) Teach problem-solving skills –Rescuing children from their mistakes or failures tends them that
they are not capable of solving their problems and that they need adults to rescue them. These
children who do not held liable for their mistakes do not learn how to solve problems, instead
may learn to blame others for their own mistakes. The better way when children gets in trouble
is for the parents to help the child acknowledge their mistake and brainstorm ways to solve the
problem, then they should let the child take the lead in correcting the problem. Parents can
listen to a child’s feelings about the situation, but they should avoid shaming the child or
faulting others.
5.) Praise effort – Praise children in ways that acknowledge their efforts and focus on the process
as well as the outcome. Children can consistently produce effort, although the outcome of their
effort is not always guaranteed. Never exaggerate praise that is not realistic because there are
times that the child may discount the praise and would even develop a sense of distrust when
others express their approval. Empty praise and flattery that are not grounded in reality and are
not evidenced in the child’s experience tend to do more harm than good for responsible and
productive behavior. Effective praise is specific and describes what the child did well. Internal
satisfaction should be experienced by the child is important rather than expecting external
approval and rewards for everything they do.
6.) Provide opportunities for success – When children only experience failure they may begin to
doubt themselves. Seeing tangible evidence of progress helps children feel proud of their
improving skills. Likewise, parents can help children choose activities that are developmentally
appropriate and that provide opportunities for children to feel successful, like learning another
skills or hobbies can help children receive recognition for constructive behaviors.

The pandemic made me realized that disinfecting the whole house is never enough to make our
children feel secured, but our time spent with them is so priceless that as working parents we must enjoy
and nurtured. Being a working parent is so fulfilling, I learned that time is so essential and money isn’t
everything, a stretch of togetherness and a treasure chest of valuable memories is way important than
having a lots of money and self-accomplishments alone.

2|MAYELA LOU A. MELLOMIDA

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - III