1. SESSION 2
Helping to build your child’s
self-esteem
2.1

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. STAGES OF PLAY
Solitary play
Parallel play
Cooperative play
2.8

9. 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

10. 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

11. BREAK
2.11

12. FINDING SOMETHING YOUR CHILD CAN ACHIEVE
Boosts confidence.
Builds self-esteem.
2.12

13. FINDING SOMETHING YOUR CHILD CAN ACHIEVE
What does your child enjoy doing that you can encourage?
2.13

14. THERE ARE DIFFERENT RECOGNISED STYLES OF PARENTING
Permissive
Authoritarian
Assertive/authoritative
2.14

15. PERMISSIVE
2.15

16. AUTHORITARIAN
2.16

17. ASSERTIVE/AUTHORITATIVE
2.17

18. WHICH STYLE DO YOU MOST RELATE TO?
2.18

19. OVER-PROTECTIVENESS
Are there any dangers to being over-protective? Aim to strike a balance!
2.19

20. MEETING EMOTIONAL NEEDS
Attention
Acceptance
Appreciation
Encouragement
Affection
Respect
Support
Comfort
Approval
Security
2.20

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. We will look at coping with feelings.
NEXT WEEK
We will look at coping with feelings.
2.24