Positive Identity

It is essential for kids to have high self-esteem.

Credit: This photograph is from Corel Print Office, 1998, Corel Corporation.

What you can do:

• Give special attention to every child; honor each child’s uniqueness.
• Take kids seriously; love, respect, and accept them.
• Help kids focus on their positive characteristics. For example, instead of telling a child that she is pushy, let her know you admire her assertiveness.
• Recognize a child’s successes, and avoid the temptation to compare kids with one another.

Young people should be optimistic about their personal futures.

Credit: This photograph is from Corel Print Office, 1998, Corel Corporation.

What you can do:

• Listen closely to kids’ fears about the future and encourage them to talk about their aspirations.
• Help young people set personal goals that inspire hope.
• Hold career days so that kids can spend time with and learn from adults in interesting occupations.