Research suggests that 75% of young people struggle with low self-worth at one point or another.
However, if you’re noticing that your child regularly struggles with self-belief, confidence and valuing themselves, then you may feel it’s time to do a little more to help boost their self-worth.
What is self-worth?
Self-confidence, self-esteem and self-worth are all terms that are often used interchangeably, but self-worth is the feeling of being good enough, worthy enough and belonging.
The difference is that self-confidence focuses on specific areas, while self-esteem often relies on external factors, and self-worth is an internal feeling and general view of the world. All three issues can intertwine and affect each other – negatively or positively.
With self-worth, children will feel liked, and accepted and that they are worthy of being treated with respect.
Difference between low and high self-worth
| What Low Self-Worth Looks Like | What High Self-Worth Looks Like |
| Feeling like they should have done more | Feeling proud of what they can do |
| Instantly assuming they won’t be good enough | Having belief in their abilities |
| Resists change or trying new things, may give up before starting | Happy to try new things and give it their best shot |
| Self-critical and self-judgement | Recognises their positive attributes |
| Lacks confidence | Feels confident |
Five top tips to help kids build self-worth
It can be difficult to see children struggling with their self-worth, but self-worth can grow.
Parents and teachers can help kids to build their self-worth with these strategies:
1. Find their passion projects
A club, sport, hobby or activity that they can find rewarding can be a great way to build self-worth.
With this, the focus should be on enjoyment and feeling good rather than necessarily being good at the activity.
Adults can help to normalise this by getting involved in activities, even if they’re not necessarily things you excel at.
2. Challenge negative words
Self-criticism can be something that happens so regularly it becomes normal.
So try to catch the times when a child says, ‘I’m no good at…’ or ‘I’m rubbish with…’.
And gently try to challenge these criticisms with a new perception.
Similarly, make sure you’re not criticising yourself too.
Children will pick up on the times you put yourself down, and it can normalise self-criticism, which is something to avoid.
3. Set goals
One of the ways self-worth can grow is with progress.
Setting a goal to work towards can be a fantastic way to build a sense of achievement, increase motivation and prove to yourself that you can persevere.
The goal could be to learn a new skill, to give back – such as fundraising or volunteering, or try something that pushes you out of your comfort zone.
4. Make learning the goal
It can be so easy to just do something for a child when they’re struggling.
But increasing self-worth focuses on the journey of learning rather than the destination of achieving.
Try to show, teach or help children when they face a challenge rather than stepping in and taking over.
5. Ensure the fundamentals are in place
General well-being can play a huge part in feelings of self-worth and confidence.
Good sleep quality, a healthy diet, regular exercise, spending time outdoors and having strategies for self-care can all help to boost self-worth.
Recognising increases in self-worth
After helping your child to increase their self-worth, you may notice benefits such as;
- They spend more time with friends or have fewer friendship dramas
- Spending more time on their hobbies and practising their skills
- Feeling more able to give back, volunteer and help others
- Finding it easier to recognise their achievements
- Trying hard when facing a challenge and not giving up.
If you’re still not seeing changes to your child’s self-worth, coaching can be a great way to let children talk about what’s affecting their self-worth and build tailored strategies to boost it.
If you’d like to find out more about the benefits of coaching for self-worth and whether it’s suitable for your child, book a free consultation with head coach Karen here.
