Family Checkup

Encouragement is Key to building confidence and a strong sense of self and helps parents promote cooperation and reduce conflict. Many successful people remember the encouragement of a parent, teacher, or other adult. Consistent encouragement helps youth feel good about themselves and gives confidence to:

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• Try new activities.
• Tackle different tasks.
• Develop new friendships.
• Explore their creativity.

Practices That Are Discouraging

• Being sarcastic or negative about a child’s ability to be successful.
• Comparing a child to siblings and friends.
• Taking over when a child’s progress is slow.
• Reminding a child of past failures.

Encouragement Promotes a Strong Sense of Self Because it Sends Three Main Messages to Your Child:

You Can Do It! Youth believe they can do things if parents:

• Help them break a problem down into smaller parts.
• Remind them of their strengths and past successes.
• Encourage them by sharing how they have dealt with challenges.

You Have Good Ideas! Youth believe they have good ideas if parents:

• Ask them to share their opinions and feelings.
• Listen to what they have to say.
• Ask them for input concerning family plans and events.
• Ask them for ideas to solve family problems.

You Are Important! Youth know they are importantif parents:

• Remember what they have told you.
• Make time for them each day.
• Attend school and extracurricular activities.
• Let them know that you are thinking about them when you can’t be with them.
• Display things they have made and recognitions they receive.

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