section 6
Developing self-esteem
1 year
36 meeting
Let’s review:
Once the meeting starts, welcome everyone and ask the participants: • Who can help us remember what we talked about in our last meeting? • Who was able to do the activity at home that we asked you to do at the end of the meeting? How did it go? • Does anyone have questions or concerns after doing the activity?
What are we going to learn? How to help nurture the self-esteem of a one-year old child.
LET’S TALK ABOUT IT! We are going to look at some pictures, so we can talk about what we all know about this topic.
What are some things that parents can do with their small children to help them develop more confidence?
Have you seen children that are very shy? Tell us about it. Why do you think those children were so shy?
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Activity:
“Who will I go with?” We are going to discuss ways that children can feel safe, while at the same time learning do things on their own.
What we’ll need: • F loor mat or blanket • Several toys appropriate for oneyear olds
WHAT WE’LL DO: • First ask mothers to swap their babies with another mother for five minutes and to observe the babies’ behavior during that time. Then ask: Why is it that some babies can be with another mother easily and others don’t allow it? • Then place some exciting toys in the middle of the circle on a floor mat or blanket and ask mothers to set their children down and let them play. Then ask them to observe which children go play with the toys easily and which children don’t want to. • After this playtime reflect together on what you observed. Ask the group what they think is best for the children: is it better for them to be independent or dependent on their mothers? What things can parents do so children develop confidence in themselves and become more independent? OTHER SUGGESTIONS: • Explain that having a routine helps babies understand how to handle themselves during the day. Ask mothers to think of their own routines throughout the day. How can you involve your child in your routine? How can you include times of play and times for your children to develop their curiosity and independence? • Write the following activities on a flipchart using some pictures for those that cannot read.
Suggestions on how to stimulate a child’s confidence throughout the day: • Allow the child to choose what they want to wear. • Allow them to get their own cup and spoon when it is time to eat. • Allow them to choose what game they want to play and what toys they want to play with. • Ask your child to help you when you organize their toys. • Give them the three A’s: Attention, Acceptance and Affection each chance you get!
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Summing up:
What did we learn today? Now, we’ll review what we discussed today. • How do you feel after this meeting? Why? • What are the two most important things you’ve learned today? • What will you do differently based on what you learned during the meeting? • What did you like the most? Are there things you didn’t like? • Do you have any remaining concerns or questions about what we talked about? To finish: what would you recommend to improve today’s meeting when we do it again with another group. (Explain that replying this question will help the meeting be even better in the future for parents with small children.)
To do at home:
• T ell parents to choose moments during the day to give their children the opportunity to move around and do something on their own.
Basic information for the facilitator: Learning more about developing self-confidence: 1- The development of self-concept, the sense of oneself as separate and uniquely different from
others develops during the first three years. The development of self-concept is characterized by an increasing awareness of self; the ability to recognize self in photographs or in the mirror; the ability to define self as brother or sister, or big or small. Self-esteem, the ability to evaluate oneself in a positive or negative light, is based on a positive self concept and continues to develop through to adulthood
2- A positive self concept develops as infants and toddlers receive affirming feedback from
those around them. Caregivers who demonstrate their respect and concern for the developing child provide the necessary affirmation. Adults who are disrespectful and antagonistic towards children can seriously undermine a young child’s self concept. In order to respect a baby the caregiver must understand the stages of development of a baby and therefore will appreciate the baby’s behaviour and skills and be able to encourage the baby in his development.
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3- At the age of 12 months it is important for the caregiver to encourage the child in
exploring their world and testing their abilities. This habit of giving space for safe exploration and expression together with providing positive feedback provides a foundation on which growing selfesteem occurs in subsequent years. Positive feedback can be given through hugs, clapping, smiling, eye contact and positive messages.
4- Parents can read bible stories to their children, inspiring faith and trust even at an early age. For example, the story of David and the lions and bears.
Facilitator’s Manual