5 Ways to Build Self-Esteem in Your ADHD Child

Some children seem to naturally have more self-esteem than others.

A lot of it can stem from natural personality traits, but self-esteem can also be strengthened or weakened based on the environment your child is in. 

If you notice that they might be struggling with self-esteem, or you want to do whatever it takes to build them up, there are things you can do to boost their self-confidence and how they see themselves early on in life.

Helping your ADHD child now is a great way to foster a strong sense of self as they grow into adults. 

With that in mind, let’s look at a few effective ways to build self-esteem in your child. 

Be Their Role Model

It might not always seem like it, but your child is paying attention to everything you do.

You are their best role model, so it’s important to show them what self-esteem looks like by exuding healthy confidence in yourself. 

That doesn’t mean you have to be cocky or overpowering. But show them that you believe in yourself.

You can take on challenges, and you don’t put yourself down or let negative thoughts win.

By being a positive role model with high self-esteem daily, your child will believe they can do the same.

Teach New Things

Learning helps all of us grow, but that’s especially true for children who have so much learning ahead of them.

Fostering a love of exploring new things will encourage your child to be a lifelong learner and boost their self-esteem.

Learning comes with challenges. When children realize they can meet those challenges and obtain new skills, they will likely feel good about themselves.

They’ll also be more confident as they face new challenges and learn new things in the future.

Praise the Journey

Most parents are eager to celebrate their child’s victories. You should absolutely do that.

Praise your child for a job well done, and let them know how proud you are.

But praising them for the journey is just as important, even if things don’t work out as planned.

Celebrate hard work and dedication. Let your child know that you notice their efforts and that they should be proud of themselves for sticking with something.

Even when they aren’t “successful,” praising the process can go a long way in boosting self-esteem.

Let Them Fail

You might not think failure would boost self-esteem, but it’s one of the best ways to do it.

Some of the most successful people in the world have overcome multiple failures to achieve their current success.

Letting your child “fail” at something gives them the opportunity to learn.

They can look back at what went wrong and make positive changes.

It encourages dedication and determination and lets them work at something until they get it right.

They can look back on the work they put in to get where they are and feel more confident in their abilities, strength, and perseverance. 

Focus On Their Strengths

Take a look at the things that come naturally to your child.

• Maybe they’re a gifted student.

• Maybe they’re a talented athlete or musician.

• Whatever their strengths, encourage them to focus on those things and continue to grow them. 

By helping your child go further with the things they’re naturally gifted in, you’ll boost their confidence and help them understand that even though they might struggle in other areas, they are special and unique in their strengths. 

Building self-esteem in your child now will help set them up for success and mental well-being.

Keep these tips in mind, be a positive role model, and you’ll love seeing your child’s confidence rise.

If you need additional parenting support, my ADHD Parent Academy might help!