STUDENTS WITH LOW SELF ESTEEM

DESIREE D. FRANCISCO

Self-esteem is the mirror that reflects how people view themselves. They either see someone beautiful or someone ugly.

Low self-esteem in children may seem to be a normal trait or quality as we often see shy, timid and unsociable learners sitting alone at the back of the classroom. However, this should not be ignored especially by teachers since sociologists attest to its many ill-effects on children.

When children regard themselves negatively, they become unhappy, withdrawn and disconnected, thereby experimenting on things that may lead to more serious problems such as drug dependency and depression.

However, the school can be a place where children can discover their skills and capabilities given the right opportunities by the teacher

Teachers can help students with low self-esteem by being generous with praises directed to efforts exerted whether small or big. Allowing them to speak without interference in spite of mistakes will also help as corrections may be done after. Teachers must also be patient in explaining what and how the mistake was committed in a way which tells them that it is normal to not meet others’expectations from time to time. Criticisms must be in the form of advice or suggestions so that they won’t feel like being attacked or threatened for their imperfections.

These youngsters are as fragile as glass and they need to be handled with caution and care by both parents and teachers.

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The author is SST III at San Luis High School