Self-image in children: Positive, negative and the role of sensory resources

Self-esteem in children refers to how they see and value themselves. It can be both positive and negative and plays an important role in their emotional and psychological development.

In this article we will address some frequently asked questions regarding self-esteem in children, why it is important to recognize children with low self-esteem, the causes of low self-esteem, and how sensory aids can help improve self-esteem.

What is a positive and a negative self-image in children?

• Positive self-image: Children with positive self-image have a healthy appreciation for themselves. They feel good about who they are, have self-confidence and believe in their abilities.

• Negative self-image: Children with negative self-image, on the other hand, often have low self-confidence, feel insecure and have a low opinion of themselves. They may doubt their abilities and worth.

Why is it important to recognize children with low self-esteem?

It is important to recognize children with low self-esteem because negative self-image can lead to several problems, including:

• Emotional Problems: Children with low self-esteem may be more prone to anxiety, depression, and other emotional disorders.

• Social difficulties: They may have trouble forming relationships and may be bullied.

• Poorer performance: A negative self-image can affect academic performance and motivation to learn.

• Health Problems: It can lead to stress-related health problems.

Where does low self-esteem come from?

Low self-esteem can stem from several sources, including:

• Criticism and rejection: Negative comments or rejection can damage a child's self-esteem.

• Comparison with others: Constant comparison with others can lead to feelings of inadequacy.

• Traumatic experiences: Traumatic events can affect self-image.

• Negative feedback: Repeated negative feedback can reinforce negative beliefs.

What therapy for low self-esteem?

Therapies that may be helpful for low self-esteem in children include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This type of therapy helps children identify and change negative beliefs about themselves.

• Play therapy: Play therapy can help children express emotions and build positive experiences.

• Family Therapy: Family therapy can promote family support in addressing low self-esteem.

• Individual Therapy: Individual therapy provides children with a safe space to talk about their feelings and thoughts.

How can sensory aids contribute to better self-image?

Sensory aids can help children improve their self-image by:

• Emotion Recognition: Sensory tools, such as emotion maps or feeling maps, can help children recognize and understand emotions.

• Emotion regulation: Sleep tunnel , calming sounds or sensory body socks can help children regulate emotions and anxiety.

• Self-Expression: Sensory tools provide children with a way to express themselves in a positive and constructive way.

• Self-confidence: By providing children with sensory stimuli that they find pleasurable, they can build a sense of self-worth.

The use of sensory aids can be a valuable addition to therapeutic interventions and can help children improve their self-image by supporting emotional regulation and self-expression. It is important to work with professionals to select and use the most appropriate sensory aids depending on the individual needs of each child.