1. Building a Child’s Self-Concept

2. STAND UP FROM THE INSIDE!
Resiliency = the capacity to bounce back after disappointment or tragedy.
Self-Concept = The total picture of who we are.
Our looks and traits, how we feel, what we think, who we see when we look in the mirror…
A child’s self-concept is in place by age 5.

3. Children are born with 100% Self-Concept
Why is this important for them to have?
Do you still have the 100% you were born with?
Why not? Imagine what you could do if you did!
*Blow up a balloon and tie it off to represent this. When they fall down they get back up and don’t give up. When asked who is the best at an activity they all say “I am” – even if they don’t know what it is. When told they look pretty or did well they say “I know”. They don’t compare diapers or clothes or strollers with other babies.
Blow up a balloon to represent their SC, but don’t tie it – their “SC tie” has come undone and watch what happens when something happens to you (let go and watch it fly). The balloon lays there until it gets picked up and brushed off again by you or someone else. You could do so much more!

4. WHAT INFLUENCES THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH AND LOW SELF CONCEPT?

5. INFLUENCES ON SELF CONCEPT
1. Self-Perception
2. Verbal and Non-verbal communication
3. Positive and Negative Interactions

6. Why do we continue to hang around with or do that which
brings us or other’s down?

7. Other’s Reactions To Me
Self Concept Circle
The person I think I am.
The person others think I am.
The person others think I think I am.
As I See Myself
Other’s Reactions To Me
My Actions
As Others See Me

8. Keys to Developing a Child’s Self-Concept

9. Provide more successes than failures for the child.
Give the freedom to
fail with acceptance.
Provide more successes than failures for the child.
Plan successes
Point out successes
Help the child perceive him/herself as successful
Provide practice to improve skills
If they have more failures than successes, back up to where success is achieved, and then move ahead gradually
As long as there are more successes than failures, children learn to not let a few failures get them down.
A child who is over- protected and not allowed to fail will learn to try only if success is guaranteed.

10. Give lots of encouragement. Give unconditional love.
Recognize the effort and improvement, not just the final accomplishment.
Support as they do new things.
“I know you can do it”
“You handled that really well”
“You will make it next time”
Show appreciation.
“Thanks, you were a big help”
Let child know that even if you do not approve of their behavior, you still love them.
Accept children as they are, not as they could be.
Respect your child.
Show them how much you care about them.

11. Eliminate the negative.
Allow independence.
Eliminate the negative.
Let them do things for themselves.
Let them work through a problem.
Give them choices as early as possible.
Tell children what they can do, not what they cannot do.
Catch them doing something good more often than what they are doing wrong.

12. Do not set standards unreasonably high.
Avoid ridicule.
They don’t have to be 100% all the time.
Know their abilities and work within those abilities.
Children are not miniature adults.
Do not over-estimate their maturity.
Development of child
Be careful of nicknames.
Do not make fun of them, especially in front of others.

13. Allow exploration and encourage questions.
Set limits.
Allow exploration and encourage questions.
Let them explore their environment.
Give them a chance to see cause and effect, such as what happens when a rock is dropped in water. . .
Play, get messy, touch
Set limits (boundaries and rules)
It helps them to feel security, protected, valued, and loved.

14. Help your child develop their talents.
Take their ideas, emotions and feelings seriously.
Every child needs to feel that they are good at something.
Give them encouragement and opportunities to try new things.
Encourage their talents, not the ones you wish they had.
Do not belittle them
“That is nothing to cry over”, or “You’ll get over it”.
Ask them for their advice and opinions.
Listen to them and act on their thoughts.

15. Give your children responsibility.
Be a good role model.
Give your children responsibility.
Improve your own self- image. Let your children see that you value yourself.
Let your children see you make mistakes, learn from them, and try again.
Give them chores that are appropriate for their age.
Give them family jobs so that they feel valued and important to the family.

16. Let children know when their behavior is appropriate
Be available.
Let children know when their behavior is appropriate
Give them support when they need it.
Spend time together.
Work, talk, and share activities together.
Point out when they are meeting your expectations and requests.

17. -“I got two A’s”, the small boy said, his voice was filled with glee
-“I got two A’s”, the small boy said, his voice was filled with glee. His father bluntly asked, “Why didn’t you get three?” -“Mom, I’ve got the dishes done,” the girl called from the door. Her mother very calmly said, “Did you sweep the floor?” -“I mowed the grass,” the tall boy said, “and put the mower away.” His father asked him with a shrug, "Did you clean off the sidewalks?” The children in the house next door seemed happy and content. The same things happened over there, but this is how it went.

18. “I’ve got two A’s,” the small boy said. His voice was filled with glee
“I’ve got two A’s,” the small boy said. His voice was filled with glee. His father proudly said, "That's great, I’m glad that you belong to me.” “Mom, I’ve got the dishes done,” the girl called from the door. Her mother smiled and softly said, “Each day I love you more.” “I’ve mowed the grass,” the tall boy said, “and put the mower away.” His father answered with much joy, “You’ve made my happy day.” Children deserve a little praise for tasks they’re asked to do. If they’re to lead a happy life, so much depends on you.
Study guide scenarios

19. A Haiku Poem about you on back of 3x5 Card
__________________________________________
Your Name
_________________________________________________
2 adjectives describing you
___________________________________________________
3 Verbs that relate to you
A 4 word phrase about you
1 word that explains who you are