Have you noticed when children or young people come home every time complaining about their shortcoming, do not overcome days together from a failure, constantly blaming themselves and others for their mistakes, and easily giving up after a setback? These are normal if it happens once in a while but constantly if children show these behaviours, that means they are confused about their self, and struggling to know their true potential. In other words, self-concept is defined as the view one has of herself or himself.
Self-concept begins at birth. During infant stage or later, the responses care givers provide to the child, clearly helps to develop this self-concept. The warm and caring interactions with the child is always helpful to build positive bond with the child and also, he/she will have positive connection with the outer world also. The trust, joy, empathy, and compassion develops only when there is a healthy positive parent-child interaction. Even though the surrounding of the child matters during the development stage, by then the child has already created a better sense of self. However it can be improved when healthy environment is provided.
How one’s self concept can be damaged?
It is always fun to call out somebody with different names, but when children are sensitive and if they do not like being called by names such as shorty, brainless or lazy, as this labeling may be negative boosters for their any new tries. They may feel scared to try new things due to the name tags.
When you do not create a platform where their inner voice should try saying I can do, or I will try, they will think instead, I’m a loser or I will never try. So, the positive self can be formed when there are continuous efforts by parents to create a healthy environment.
Problem solving or decision-making ability
When children are given simple day to day life problems and a chance to solve problems in a rational way, this is one of the best ways to create a healthy positive environment.
Handling emotions
Handling emotions also help them to know about their self. Creating opportunities for expressing their emotions in a right way or handling negative emotions also help to develop the concept of self.
Open communication
When children know there is someone to talk about, without judging them, the communication will be always healthy. When there is trust, mutual understanding, they will develop a positive self with regards to messages they receive, and also openly clarify the miscommunication.
Connected relationships
Children are always connected to relationship when there is caring, sharing, and helping qualities. These qualities will help a person to boost positive image. Encourage children to boost their self-concept by involving connected relationship.
Self-concept in children is developed when they are prone to opportunities that help them to grow as an individual, when taught to accept the failures and try again, and taught being compassionate about others feeling as well as oneself.
