Children do amazing things when they feel that you are behind them. Self-esteem is a delicate part of human character. It is like a balloon that can deflate with just one sharp comment. Though some people have tougher balloons of self-esteem than others, I don’t think anyone is impervious to negative or belittling comments.\u00a0\u00a0Children who have a\u00a0healthy\u00a0view of\u00a0 themselves\u00a0 are\u00a0more likely\u00a0to trust\u00a0their instincts when faced with decisions in life.\u00a0They are\u00a0more likely to try\u00a0new things, to\u00a0reach out to others and to feel a sense of pride in their accomplishments.<\/p>\n
\u00a0Often times if a child has low self-esteem, well-meaning constructive criticism\u00a0can be\u00a0perceived as a put-down. For learning to\u00a0occur in any subject,\u00a0students must be able to learn from their mistakes.\u00a0A negative self-image\u00a0\u00a0makes learning\/trying anything new terrifying. \u00a0If you look for it,\u00a0there is a way in which a child can be\u00a0“built up” regardless of the situation.\u00a0 As a parent in the music classroom if\u00a0 your child is struggling with a piece or having a hard time with a certain skill,\u00a0 you can look for\u00a0something the child is doing right. Make a comment such as;<\/p>\n
\u00a0Positive\u00a0feedback that is specific\u00a0helps your child to see that you are noticing what they are doing and\u00a0that it is important to you.\u00a0 Your support\u00a0 fills your child’s balloon of self-esteem. Constructive criticisms\u00a0can then be accepted and even embraced\u00a0as\u00a0opportunity\u00a0for growth.\u00a0 Not every child who takes music lessons will become a virtuoso, but I believe every child should feel like one.<\/p>\n
Watch this clip to see what a little encouragement can do……
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