SESSION 2 Helping to build your child’s self-esteem 2.1
SESSION PLAN What is self-esteem? The importance of play Special time Finding something your child can achieve Parenting styles Meeting emotional needs 2.2
WHAT IS SELF-ESTEEM? Self-esteem is the way we feel about ourselves deep inside. The self-esteem of children with special needs is fragile and can be easily damaged. They need: To be encouraged Someone to believe in them To feel loved To feel competent 2.3
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO BOOST YOUR CHILD’S SELF-ESTEEM? Be their greatest fan! Don’t ‘obsess’ about their special need. Avoid discussing their needs in their presence. Pick out specific behaviours and small achievements to praise. 2.4
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO BOOST YOUR CHILD’S SELF-ESTEEM? Involve them as far as possible in the management of their condition. Don’t compare them unfavourably with their brothers and sisters. As far as possible, treat them the same as your other children. Reassure them that they will always be loved. 2.5
SHOWING LOVE THROUGH THE SENSES Love is communicated in many different ways … We can communicate love to children with more severe disabilities through the senses. 2.6
THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAY Play is a vital part of a child’s physical, emotional, social and brain development. It increases: Cognitive and language skills Social skills Creative skills and imagination Manipulative and physical skills Emotional development 2.7
STAGES OF PLAY Solitary play Parallel play Cooperative play 2.8
SPECIAL TIME Let child choose what to play. Don’t interfere. Occasionally comment. Sometimes just sit quietly and enjoy. Try playing by yourself if child is shy. Observe what they’re doing. Join in at their request. 2.9
PLANNING SPECIAL TIME Could you plan a special time? How long do you think it should be? How often? What would your child like to play (or do)? 2.10
BREAK 2.11
FINDING SOMETHING YOUR CHILD CAN ACHIEVE Boosts confidence. Builds self-esteem. 2.12
FINDING SOMETHING YOUR CHILD CAN ACHIEVE What does your child enjoy doing that you can encourage? 2.13
THERE ARE DIFFERENT RECOGNISED STYLES OF PARENTING Permissive Authoritarian Assertive/authoritative 2.14
PERMISSIVE 2.15
AUTHORITARIAN 2.16
ASSERTIVE/AUTHORITATIVE 2.17
WHICH STYLE DO YOU MOST RELATE TO? 2.18
OVER-PROTECTIVENESS Are there any dangers to being over-protective? Aim to strike a balance! 2.19
MEETING EMOTIONAL NEEDS Attention Acceptance Appreciation Encouragement Affection Respect Support Comfort Approval Security 2.20
MEETING CHILDREN’S EMOTIONAL NEEDS Which need does your child particularly like to be met? Think of two ways you could meet this need. 2.21
REFLECTION Today we have looked at: Last week’s focus for the week What self-esteem is The importance of play Special time Finding something your child can achieve Parenting styles Overprotectiveness Meeting emotional needs 2.22
FOCUS FOR THE WEEK Have special time with your child. Give overheard praise. Meet one of your child’s emotional needs. Read the article ‘Welcome to Holland’. 2.23
We will look at coping with feelings. NEXT WEEK We will look at coping with feelings. 2.24