Problems resulting from low self esteem often surface during a child’s adolescent years. Clearly, however, steps can be taken much earlier in life to prevent the development of these problems. Alternatively action may need to be put in place that will assist children seen as ‘at risk’ in terms of a low self esteem.

Educators and parents will recognise the signals of these ‘at risk’ children from the descriptions given in Raising Self Esteem in the Young and will be able to use the activity pages to help children regain a healthy self esteem.

The importance of action in the formative years is highlighted when it is realised that the feelings children hold about themselves may well determine the level of their achievements both in childhood and later life.

Authors: Lou Thompson and Tim Lowson