Self-esteem

Help kids resist negative behaviors

Kids who feel good about themselves are optimistic and better equipped to resist negative behaviors. They smile more and look forward to the future. They are able to handle conflict and criticism more easily and they set realistic goals. They feel accepted and loved unconditionally.

A child with low self-esteem may have critical thoughts about themselves all the time, be overridden with anxiety, become depressed and feel unworthy of love. They don't take risks for fear of failure. They may see a world full of problems instead of possibilities.

Did you know?

• Self-esteem or feeling good about yourself is the primary force that enables tweens (8 to 12 years old) to resist involvement in behaviors that could be damaging to their health both now and in the future. (CDC, 2001)
• The three key factors to influence a child's self-esteem are a sense of purpose, sense of accomplishment and a source of support. (CDC, 2001)
• Depression affects as many as one in every 33 children and one in eight adolescents. (Federal Center for Mental Health Services, 1999)
• Self-esteem plays a central role in a child's motivation and achievements in school, athletics and social relationships, as well as resiliency. (P&G topline)
• By the middle years of childhood (ages 5-12), a child needs a positive sense of self to do well in the world outside the family. ("Caring for Your School-Age Child: Ages 5-12" Bantam 1999)
• In tween years, peers emerge as critical influences and for some, unhealthy behaviors are passports to acceptance into elite groups. The stress and uncertainty of these years can trigger unhealthy habits and poor coping mechanisms (e.g. smoking, drinking, and violence) for resolving seemingly irresolvable problems. (Center for Disease Control, 2001)

Highmark Healthy High 5 can improve children's self-esteem by providing grants and supporting programs that enhance children and adolescents' self worth.

Heartwood Institute
One of our partners, Heartwood Institute, promotes understanding and practice of universal ethical concepts and good character through materials that explore the ethical content of stories, helping children develop a basic moral framework, live by it and appreciate its value.

Character education curriculum by Heartwood develops children’s moral character and self-esteem through understanding and practice of seven core attributes: courage, loyalty, justice, respect, hope, honesty and love.

Heartwood’s curriculum is currently used by 2,000 schools and school districts in 40 states.

Have a greater hand in raising happier, healthier kids.