Somehow, it always ends up in grandparents’ intervention when it comes to their grandkids’ self-esteem. I positively agree that it is important for the grandparents to play an active role in their grandkids’ lives especially during formative years.
Grandparents are the only ones who can act as the “in-between”, an effective neutralizer in a potentially destructive fight between a mom and her kids. Grandparents are considered as the responsible adult but more pliable than the parents themselves. Someone a parent can trust with the kids and a confidant to the kids, that’s what grandparents are.
As grandparents, self esteem is one of the characteristics you can help your grandkids build. Having healthy levels of self esteem in oneself is a big factor in achieving happiness and success later in life. It encourages positivity and confidence – two things that are essential in an adult’s life.
A kid with self esteem problem is usually irritable and having problems interacting with other kids. They feel unloved and unwanted all the time hence they struggle emotionally and are having a hard time processing their feelings. They refuse to try new things as they fear they won’t be able to handle it or are afraid that they will only end up messing it. Negative feelings toward themselves are also common among kids with poor self-esteem. If you spot these things with your own grandchildren then it’s time to intervene and help them get through this phase.
It is important to note that it takes only one, believing person to make a difference when it comes to self esteem. Knowing that there’s someone who believes in the child’s worth as a person will help him prove that he is not worthless afterall. Your love and support as the grandparent can counter any ill effects of bullying – one of the leading causes of low self esteem. If possible, try to determine what exactly the problem is however, don’t expect your grandchild to tell you immediately since kids with low self esteem don’t usually talk about the problem or may even be a little confused over the matter. Bullying can be from school, neighborhood and even from home. Investigate as quietly as you can just so not to make matters worse.
Kids remember positive statements, whether or not directed at them so make sure you make as many as you can and try to avoid negative comments and feedbacks to help build self esteem. Encourage your grandkids to see positive things even when faced with the harsh truth, words of encouragement will help a lot in building a trusting relationship. Take time to praise and point out positive characteristics of your grandkids and give positive affirmations whenever you can. If you need to criticize, make sure that they understand that you are pointing out their actions and not the person. This way, they won’t take it personally.
