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What Is Self-Esteem?

By Denise Witmer, About.com

Self-esteem is more than just a buzzword used in parenting books to get your attention. It truthfully is something you need to help your child build and protect. The ramification of a low self-esteem in a teenager in this day and age is not something you as a parent want to face.

Self-esteem is how your child feels about himself and his abilities. It is developed as your child interacts with you and others. A child with a healthy self-esteem has a ‘can-do’ attitude. He feels like a capable person who isn’t afraid of trying new things. He has a fun outlook on life and shows this through his everyday actions.

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