High Self-Esteem for Our Kids! BOUNCE BACK!

No, we’re not talking about passing a ball (although that’s great, active fun), we’re talking about resilience: can your kids bounce back after failure, setbacks, and conflict?

 

The key to resilience is that your kids feel good about and value themselves. This means having high self esteem.

High self esteem means your kids know they matter. It’s an inside feeling that they have value.

 

We’re not talking about bragging and thinking they’re better than everybody else. Positive self-esteem means they value not only themselves but others, too. We as parents and guardians play an important role in helping our kids feel good about themselves.

 

Here are 5 tips to help build your child’s self-esteem:

 

1. Pick wisely – talk to your children about choosing friends who encourage, not challenge them to shine; to hang out with kids who value positive things and people who treat them nicely.

2. Think positively - Tell them “you can” instead of “you can’t” – we all have negative self-talk. Help your kids to examine theirs and do some ”thought stopping” when this happens. That means, stop – think again, think, “I’ll try.” Explain that if they lose at a game or fail a test, THEY are not a failure. They just need to keep trying, because they’re worth it!

3. Choose “esteem boosters” for them to do! Help build their confidence by having your children do small things like setting the table, folding clothes, helping a sibling, making beds, helping with food prep, volunteering, etc., then tell them how much you value their efforts.

4.Build them up! Give your child frequent, but specific and meaningful praise. Catch them being good. And, when you must correct their behavior, disapprove of their actions, not them.

5.Get in the game! Provide the encouragement and opportunities for your child to work at something he or she loves to do. Kids need to find what they love to do and do it. Whether it’s drawing, dancing, playing sports, writing stories, doing crafts, playing guitar or whatever, they’ll feel better about themselves by doing it.

So, let’s boost our kids’ self-esteem and help guard them with the “inner” strength and confidence that they can carry inside them every day and for years to come!

You are the best and most important influence in your child’s life so, help your child live their best life every day with high self-esteem that will make them AND you very proud!

 

May is National Physical Fitness Month -- Get Up and Move!

 

Studies over the years show that low physical activity in our children is associated with high obesity rates. According to a National Poll on Children’s Health performed by the C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital, 1 in 6 children is obese.

The problem of overweight and obesity may stem in part from budget cuts and other educational mandates that have caused schools to decrease or drop physical education classes as well as recess in the elementary schools. Based on the Mott poll, 94% of parents believe that physical activity is important for their child; yet, only 33% of these parents believe that their child is not getting enough movement during the school day.

So, what can you do? Although you may be tempted to leave the physical activity issue in the hands of the school, it may be best to take matters into your own hands as a family. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has put together a tool kit to help communities and families get active together. To read the entire tool kit, click directly to the link HERE.

 

 

Seven Benefits of Being Active

(Reprinted from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
People of all ages benefit from physical activity. It doesn't matter how out–of–shape you feel or how long you have been inactive.

Physical activity increases your chances of living longer. Exercise can help you control your blood pressure, blood sugar, and your weight. It can help raise your "good" cholesterol. It can also help prevent heart disease, colorectal cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

And that’s not all. Getting more active can:

1. Be fun
2. Help you look your best
3. Improve your sleep
4. Make your bones, muscles, and joints stronger
5. Lower your chances of becoming depressed
6. Reduce falls and arthritis pain
7. Help you feel better about yourself

In addition, physical activity can help prevent or better manage the following:

• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Some types of cancer

 

So, as we say in Wellsville, get in the groove and MOVE, some way, your way, every day!

 

Recipe for a Healthier You -- Ice Cream Fruit Delight

 

Ingredients

 

- ¾ cup cut up fresh fruit (strawberries, bananas, apples, blueberries, raspberries, pears, or grapes)
- ½ cup of non-fat or 1% fat vanilla yogurt
- 1-teaspoon granola
- 1-teaspoon honey (optional)
- 1 ice cream cone

 

Method

 

Place the cut-up fruit in a cone. Then, add yogurt, sprinkle granola and add a little honey (optional). Makes 1 serving.

 

For more great, yummy recipes, visit the Wellsville website. We feature a monthly recipe, so you’ll want to check in often!