The value of Self-talk for children

Teaching children about the power of self-talk.

We as adults know about the power of self-talk. That ability to see ourselves in a good light can change our path through life. This is not the same as “being positive” rather, it is the ability to recognise our strengths and our worth. With all that is going on in a child’s life at the moment, it is hard for them to recognise their value. They don’t have the usual people (teachers friends extended family) around to work out where they stand. It is good idea to tap into their self-talk to find out what they think about themselves that they are not saying out loud.

One of the best ways to do this is to ask questions that open themselves up for discussion. Examples of this might be:

• If they wrote a movie about you, what would it be about?

• If I had never met you, how I would I find you in the park?

• How would your teacher / friends / siblings describe you?

• Tell me three things you like/dislike about yourself.

  
  

These kinds of questions allow us a peek into their inner world and we can catch their negative self-talk before it becomes part of their psyche.. Being vulnerable and allowing your child a glimpse at your inner world will help too. Admitting that we as parents struggled with how we saw ourselves as a student or friend, and how we overcame that, helps children to do the same.

If you feel that your child’s negative self- talk is damaging their self-esteem, talk to a professional for some advice around how to change this habit before it becomes part of who they are.

Tap into their self-talk to find out what they think about themselves that they are not saying out loud