[header] How to build a child's self esteem [title] Praise their effort rather than a trait or accomplishment. [step] When you praise a child, acknowledge the amount of effort they put into their activity. This encourages their hard work--they realize their hard work is noticed and valued by others.
Focusing praise on a result or a personality trait, however, emphasizes you value something they may not necessarily able to control. [substeps] For example, if your child shows you a picture they drew, praise the effort that went into it.