Abstract
This paper explains that it is important that parents begin focusing on developing their child's self-esteem as early as possible because it is much better and more successful to start a child off with a healthy sense of self than ignoring this need at first and then dealing with it later. The author stresses that a parent's goal must not be to ensure a child feels perfect about him or herself at every single moment because this is an impossible task, but, to help the child develop pride, self-respect, and the ability to handle life's challenges and bounce back from failures. The paper relates that self-esteem can only develop out of love; a child must feel loved by others, as well as know how to love him or herself, in order to have good feelings.

From the Paper
"Children with low self-esteem may feel unloved and unaccepted, and may feel that no one cares about them and that no one would go out of their way to protect them. It is necessary for children to have high self-esteem in order for them to develop into healthy adolescents and adults. In fact, some theorists claim that self-esteem lies at the base of all of our society's problems. Parents are a vital part of the development of the young child's self-esteem, and it is important that they keep this in mind with their child, especially when the child's groundwork for healthy self-esteem is developing from infancy to the age of five."

Tags:cuddling, pride, love, play, positive