Parenting Pointers: Self-Esteem

Here are some great ways to boost your own self-esteem. You can adapt them to use on your kids as well.

- Stay active. It releases endorphins.
- Keep a compliment list. Write down the complements you receive.
- Write a letter to something that traditionally gets you down. For example, if you hate parts of your body, write a letter to your body praising its strong legs to chase your kids, strong arms to carry them, and long hair that entertains your toddler. Or write a letter to an event that fills you with negative memories, but with a positive tone, such as learning that you had the strength and perseverance to get through the event.
- Surround yourself with positive people. If the people around you are negative all the time, it will tend to rub off on you.