Child Psychology: the development of self-image

As children grow and develop, they gradually becomefrom the way others react to them, treat them and
conscious of their:own nameplace in the familyownvalue them.
homepage, and of growing up.There is much parents can do to promote a positive
Each child forms a mental image of him or herself andself-image in their children.things that encourage general
becomes aware that they are unlike anyone else -development and a positive self-imagetalking to
they begin to form a 'self-image'. They also come tochildren in a way that tells them they are valued -
understand that they have:physical capabilities andlistening and asking questionsplaying with themspending
limitations - they may find that they have a talent fortime with them - watching television together, cooking,
sport or they may realise that they arewalking, shopping, etc.providing toys, objects and
differently-abled to their peers;intellectual capabilitiesexperiences that are right for the individual child's level
and limitations - for example, they will find that they areof developmentreading with themencouraging each
better in some school subjects thanchild to practise new skills - dressing themselves,
others;dependence on others - and to realise thatdrawing, tying their shoe laces, etc.exploring new
others depend on them;a place in their family andplaces togethergiving each child opportunities to play
wider community - where they 'fit in'.with other childrengiving them opportunities to be
They will also experience both success and failure,creative.
learn how to give and receive love, learn aboutConditions that may hinder development or create a
self-discipline, and learn how to be self reliant andnegative self-imagelack of opportunities to play, talk or
make decisions for themselves.explore the environmentlack of parental
Much recent research has shown that the mostattentionconstant nagging or bullying from other
important way in which children develop a self-image ispeopleabuse of any kindfrequent absence from
by relating to others. They take important messagesschoolfrequent illness or a long-term disability.