1. Our Future
Self Esteem

2. What is self-esteem?
We use the phrase self-esteem to talk about the beliefs we have about ourselves –
What we think about the type of person we are, our abilities, the positive and negative things about ourselves and what we expect from our future.

3. Our self-esteem, can affect our mind, body and relationships.

4. Signs of low self-esteem:
Doubt themselves
See themselves as failing before they’ve even begun a task
Have a hard time forgiving their mistakes
Believe they can never be as good as anybody else
Worry
Being jealous of other
Struggle in social situations
Lack motivation
Tend to isolate themselves
As well as many more…

5. How low self-esteem can affect us:
Emotions
Hurt
Angry
Frustrated
Anxious
Ashamed
Guilty

6. Thoughts
Negative
Self-critical:
‘I'm so stupid, I'm worthless, It's my fault, I'm a failure, I'm not good enough’

7. Behaviours
Try to please others
Get defensive when we believe we're being criticised
Under-achieve or work harder to compensate and cover up our incompetence
Shy around others
Avoid certain situations and people
Neglect looking after ourselves

8. Our basic human needs:

9. Importance of high self-esteem
People with high self-esteem possess the following characteristics:
More able to accept criticism and therefore more likely to learn new skills
They have the courage to express themselves
They don’t worry about how other people will judge them
Feel more comfortable to meet new people
Have more confidence
Prepared to try new challenges

10. “All kids have self-esteem, and having healthy or positive self-esteem is really important. It can help you hold your head high and feel proud of yourself and what you can do, even when things don't seem to be going so well. Self-esteem gives you the courage to try new things and the power to believe in yourself” (

11. Moving forward

12. This is where it can get tricky…
First step:
This is where it can get tricky…
The only person who has the main control with their self-esteem, starts within themselves.

13. They need to recognise:
The way that they talk to themselves
Need to challenge their negative thinking (i.e. mantra)
Set realistic goals (i.e. with the mirror)
Develop a positive attitude, one step at a time

15. How can I help? Give them space, yet re-assurance
Be understanding – We all make mistakes
Don’t add pressure – Your motivation, may be interpreted as pressure
Give them space, yet re-assurance
Constantly remind them that you’re their for them
Have family time (i.e. movie night, go for a walk, go out for a milkshake)
Show that you respect their opinions – We’re all individual
Make them feel needed – Certain jobs

16. How can I help? Compliment them on the little things
Give them achieve goals
Be sensitive to personal jokes, especially about their appearance
Continuous praise – Not just now and then
Really listen to them – Even if it’s the smallest of problems (i.e sympathy –v- empathy)
Looking after their physical health – Sleep/Diet/Exercise

17. But the power of Year 8 – Change can happen!
Making change:
No parent can do everything right. The perfect parent does not exist. But any parent can take the little steps to help boost their child’s sense of self-worth. Through listening, caring, praising and with constant reinforcing you WILL get there.
Be aware: That this will not happen over night. It may be a challenge. It will take time, as well as patience.
But the power of Year 8 – Change can happen!