Toot's Mom is Tired

A Parenting + Mom Life Blog

  • Home
  • About Me
    • About Me
    • “Why Do You Call Your Daughter Toot?”
    • Our Favorite Things
  • Popular Posts
    • Top Posts
    • Mom Life
    • Pregnancy
    • Babies
    • Toddlers
    • Preschoolers
    • Crafts & Activities
    • Earn & Save Money
  • Mom Resource Library
  • Contact Me
  • Shop Kids Books

5 Ways to Build Your Toddler’s Self Esteem

January 13, 2019

633shares
  • Share 48
  • Tweet

Even toddlers can have self esteem issues. Between learning so many new skills and words and the “I do it myself!” phase, it can really wear down their self esteem when things don’t go right. My three-year-old kept saying “I can’t do it!” and gets frustrated easily.

Here are 5 ways you can build your toddler’s self esteem.

5 Ways to Build Your Toddler's Self-Esteem | How to encourage your frustrated toddler, how to help your toddler's self esteem, overcoming the can't do it myself attitude #toddlers #parenting #motherhood

{This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.}

1. Be a Role Model for Self Esteem

You’ve probably heard that kids learn what they live. So if you’re looking for a place to start helping your little one build positive self esteem and self value, then start with yourself as an example.

Be positive when you talk about yourself. Highlight your strengths because it’ll teach your toddler that it’s okay to be proud of their talents, skills and abilities.

Be careful not to talk negatively about yourself especially when it comes to body image. Most moms usually don’t think they’re supermodels. At best I’m a swamp monster unless I really put in some effort. But my 3-year-old thinks I’m beautiful. And I don’t want her to attach physical characteristics to self-worth. 

how to build up your toddler's self esteem

2. Give Honest Praise

Your toddler can really benefit from honest and positive praise. Find something about them to praise every day.

You can give your toddler a task you know they can complete. Then praise them for doing a good job after they’ve finished. Praise effort if they worked hard to do something but weren’t successful.

Related:  10 Educational STEM Toys for Toddlers

A lot of experts are now saying that our parents OVER-praised our efforts by telling us we were “the best in the world” or something else that is completely exaggerated. So be honest about your praise. Your toddler doesn’t have to be the absolute best. Just tell them you’re proud of the effort they put in and how you admire their creativity/skill/intelligence or something else about them.

how to build your toddler's self esteem

3. Listen and Communicate

Communicate openly, honestly, and patiently with your toddler when they are feeling sad, angry, or disappointed. Listen to them without judging or criticizing.

They probably don’t fully understand why they feel the way they do. So talking about it with you may be exactly what they need to help them figure it out.

Suggest positive behaviors and options as solutions, and make sure to leave that door of communication open so they know the next time they feel badly, they can come to you for help and know that you won’t judge or punish them for how they’re feeling.

How to Help your toddler's self esteem

4. Teach Your Toddler about Goals

Teach your child the importance of setting goals and making a plan to complete that task. Even if it’s something simple like jumping over blocks in an obstacle course.

Start small.  Make sure that it’s an age appropriate goal for your child and not too complex. Your three year old isn’t probably going to learn how to cut out a circle right away. Practice cutting straight lines.

Tell them what a goal is and ask them to make one for whatever you’re doing. “What’s your goal?” Once they have a goal, ask them “What is your plan to reach your goal?” They may need help formulating a plan.

Related:  What Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood Taught Me About Parenting

If the plan didn’t work, you can use that as a teaching moment to “try try try try it again” as Daniel Tiger says! lol Ask them what went wrong and how they can fix it. 

And don’t just  praise them when they meet their goal. Praise their accomplishments and effort while they’re working on it.

If they’re trying to do something specific like learning to ride a bike, find a book about it to keep them motivated.

Learn more about setting SMART goals with your kids here.

how to build your toddler's self esteem

5. Say “I Love You”

It’s really important to tell your little one “I love you” multiple times every day. I know, you probably already do. It’s basically a habit for me.

Toddlers have a hard time figuring out emotions and feelings. Their own feelings are hard enough, but they’re also learning how to read other people’s emotions. You really need to tell your child how you are feeling in plain words. 

Telling your toddler that you love them even when they’re in trouble or when they are frustrated can really boost their self-esteem. They need to know that you love them no matter what. So reassure them every chance you get.

How do you boost your toddler’s self esteem?

Let me know in the comments below! Does your toddler get frustrated easily and yell “I can’t do it!”? Let me know how you’re dealing with it and how you boost their self esteem.

You also might like:

  • What to Do When Your Toddler Doesn't Want to Wear Clothes | Toddler takes off clothes, toddler likes being naked, toddler refuses to wear clothes, keep toddler from taking off clothes, toddler runs around naked, parenting tips, motherhood, mom life, one year old, two year old, three year old, potty training, toddler hates clothes #toddlers #parenting #pottytraining #parentingadvice
  • How to Get Your Toddler Ready for Preschool | getting toddlers ready for preschool, preschool prep, two year old, three year old, four year old, educational toddler tips, parenting, motherhood, mom life, teach your toddler #toddlers #toddlertips #preschool
  • 10 Educational STEM Toys for Toddlers | science technology engineering mathematics, STEAM toys for toddlers, the best STEM toys for two year olds, one year olds, three year olds, rainbow toys, gift ideas for toddlers #toddlertoys #STEM #STEMtoys #ToddlerSTEM
  • top 10 toys for 3 year olds
  • The Best Book Subscriptions for Toddlers | subscription boxes for toddlers, books for toddlers, the best story books for toddlers, parenting, motherhood, mom life, ebooks for toddlers, epic books review, bookroo review, books for babies, two years old, three years old, one year old, months old
  • 22 Easy Low Prep Indoor Activities for Toddlers | parenting, toddler, one year old, two year old, 2 year old, 1 year old, 12 month old, 18 month old, 24 month old, motherhood, mom life, toddler hacks, mom hacks, fun

Pin for later:

5 Ways to Build Your Toddler's Self-Esteem | How to encourage your frustrated toddler, how to help your toddler's self esteem, overcoming the can't do it myself attitude #toddlers #parenting #motherhood
5 Ways to Build Your Toddler's Self-Esteem | How to encourage your frustrated toddler, how to help your toddler's self esteem, overcoming the can't do it myself attitude #toddlers #parenting #motherhood
633shares
  • Share 48
  • Tweet

Preschoolers, Toddlers · Leave a Comment

Trending Posts to Read Next

Realistic Toddler Meal Ideas

9 Prizes for Baby Shower Games

Why is My Baby Gasping or Sobbing in her Sleep?

50 Toddler Approved Recipes for the Whole Family

10 Educational STEM Toys for Toddlers

 


« How to Throw an Unwrapped Baby Shower
How to Survive Working Opposite Shifts with Your Spouse »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Toot's Mom is Tired

Hi! I’m Niki.

I’m a mom of a kid called Toot. Yes, I’m always tired!

So I’m sharing all of my tips, hacks, and recommendations for other tired moms to make parenting and mom life a little easier.

Find out more about me >>

  • About Me
  • Mom Resource Library
  • Popular Articles
  • Mom Life
  • Pregnancy
  • Babies
  • Toddlers
  • Crafts & Activities
  • Shop

Privacy Policy

Disclosure

Contact Me

Search

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Instagram

Copyright © 2021 · Toot's Mom is Tired · Hello You Designs