Encourage Strengths

Encourage your children to do new things! Hobbies help children have higher self-esteem. Skilled children are more likely to be well behaved and less self-conscious of their weaknesses. You can do many things to ensure that your child is well rounded, and a part of fun activities.

• Encourage your child to get involved in after school activities, like sports or clubs. Even if your child is not doing well in school, participating will make them feel a part of the school environment. It will also improve their self-esteem. Many activities require certain grades, usually a C-average. Your child is much more likely to be motivated to keep up his or her grades if it means staying on the team.
• Require your child to participate in at least one team, club, or sport of his or her choice, if her or she is reluctant to join.
• Find mentors in the school community to help your child discover unknown talents.
• Join your child in volunteering for community service groups. Some examples are Habitat for Humanity, soup kitchens, Candy Stripers, Salvation Army, and church activities. You will help out people in need, and you will also strengthen your bond with your child. If you join in, you'll be an example to motivate your child.

Adapted from Healthy Steps. Edited and Compiled by the Center for Promotion of Child Development Through Primary Care 2011