So, Parenting Matters is back in action here. And we promise you, this time we will be publishing blogs regularly because we are now ready with many varied topics and content!

 Here comes a first of its kind article at “Parenting Matters” – a book review!

A book review for a parenting book! Please  note that this is not a paid promotion of the book.

Book Name: Raise Your Child’s Self Esteem!

Author: Nancy Krulik

Illustrated By: Amanda Haley

Publication: Scholastic

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So, what is Self-Esteem?

The dictionary meaning of Self-Esteem is “An individual’s subjective evaluation of their own worth.” It indicates how much we appreciate ourselves and like ourselves, how we feel or think about our appearance. The behavior, emotions and beliefs constitute together the self-esteem or self-worth of an individual. 

However, self-esteem is not something that an individual is born with. It develops from childhood and it depends on the experiences the child has.

Negative experiences have a negative impact on the person and lead to low self-esteem – feeling that others are better than himself/herself, not able to say ‘no’, being or feeling anxious, depressed, fearing failures etc.

But, if the child experiences more of positive experiences and is taught to take negative experiences in stride, the child can develop healthy self-esteem – being confident, aware of one’s weaknesses and strengths, and accept themselves, be able to express one’s needs, able to say ‘no’ and have a positive outlook towards life.

Hence, as parents, it is in our hands that we can help our child develop healthy self-esteem, by giving the right kind of experiences and helping them deal with whatever kind of situations they have to face. Having healthy self-esteem is a must for better functioning of individuals.

This book by Nancy Krulik gives 99 easy ideas or ways to help the kids develop self-esteem. It has four sections- ‘Grow together’, ‘Children first’, ‘Together time’ and ‘Creative Play’. Each section has 20-25 ways of helping children raise their self-esteem.

• The book rightly points out that each child is unique and special; and this needs to be told to the child repeatedly.
• There are some amazing games suggested in the book, which can be created and played with kids, focusing on their achievements and positives, rather than the negatives or failures that kids face.
• The book stresses upon the importance of ‘having a dialogue’ between the child and the parent. Because it’s this way, that the child can express and give words to his/her emotions. 
• The book has activities which bring about a sense of responsibility in the minds of children. There are tasks that can promote ownership, leadership and cognizance about one’s actions.
• ●       The book suggests many family time activities, which could be an opportunity to spend quality time with kids.

If as parents, we are able to inculcate these simple tasks in our parenting, then we are giving the ‘gift of self-esteem’ to our kids.

Recommendation: A easy to read, less time-consuming handy book. It can be read by parents who have kids as young as 1 year olds to as old as tweens (11 and 12 year olds).

(The author is a Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrician and deals with issues of children’s development and behaviours. The author can be contacted through mail on drpallavi.paeds@gmail.com)