Self-Esteem
When you look in the mirror, do you love the person looking back at you? “Self-esteem” is how people feel about themselves and their abilities. Self-esteem often begins in childhood, shaped by the messages — positive and negative — that parents, siblings, teachers, and peers send. Self-esteem can be affected by challenges, social interactions, and how others treat us. When a person consistently receives the message that they are not good enough, that belief tends to persist. Low self-esteem may make us feel less confident, shy, or avoid trying new things. High self-esteem helps us believe in ourselves, handle challenges, and feel proud of our achievements. Building self-esteem is important because it encourages independence, friendships, and learning. Families, teachers, and peers can support young people with disabilities by praising effort, listening, and celebrating successes. Strong self-esteem helps them grow into confident, capable adults.
In this issue of RAISE The Standard, we will explore how young people with disabilities can exercise their self-esteem.