Our self-esteem levels remain relatively constant across our lifespan. According to a study by the University of Washington, it is vital to begin shaping one’s confidence by the age of five or before stepping into kindergarten. If the teacher of your child reports that he or she is showing signs of being antisocial, you must do something about it right away.
As a parent, you play the most significant role in developing your child’s self-reliance. But while the task seems intimidating—and rightly so because it will impact their adolescent and adult life—it doesn’t always have to be complicated. You can even add a fun twist to things. Here are some ways to do this:
Develop Their Body Image
Kids become antisocial for many reasons. It could be due to genetics and family history, an unstable home life, or poor parenting practices. The key to knowing the reason for your child’s behavior is to observing them during free play, always checking in with their teachers for reports, and then asking them directly about the things that are bothering them at school.
Dressing them up and ensuring they look good all the time can help improve their body image. Several studies have shown that physical appearance is linked to self-esteem. If your child tells you that they are being mocked for broken teeth, give them the gift of confidence by bringing them to a dental clinic in Oviedo, Florida. Braces for kids can help bring back their beautiful smiles, so they can be more confident when interacting with other children.
Bring Out the Kid in You
It’s no secret that spending time with your little one sends a message that they are worthy of your time and attention. Aside from making them feel cared for, joining their play allows you to instill positive values in them. You can start by letting them initiate the play or allowing them to choose the activity. This will send the message that you trust their decisions.
Treat Them as Adults (Sometimes)
One of the most frowned-upon parenting practices is treating children as fragile beings. At some point, you need to learn to set them free and let them make decisions. Think of it as reversing your roles: you act like a child during free play and treat them as adults in some instances. Start by assigning age-appropriate chores at home, like making the bed or feeding the cats. These household contributions, no matter how small or insignificant, will make them feel valued.
Sign Them Up for Activities
Theater classes or sports clubs are a fun way to allow your child to step out of their comfort zones. These extracurricular activities will also help them meet and interact with other people, which can fix their antisocial tendencies.
As a word of advice, don’t sign up your child in too many activities. When children have too many tasks on their plates, they could feel pressured into keeping up with a hectic schedule and develop depression when they fail to meet their parents’ expectations. It’s also a good practice to ask for their opinions before you enroll them in these classes.
