How you can promote a positive self-image

Your children's sense of self-esteem can be greatly influenced by the way you communicate with them.

The psychology department at Children's Hospital in Richmond, Va., offers some advice on how to communicate with children in ways that will help improve self-image.

Simple, slow, direct communication given in a moderate tone is the most effective. Body language and facial expressions should match your spoken words.

Parents should:

• make certain their child is listening;
• use words that the child understands;
• lower pitch and decrease speed and volume in order to make communication more effective;
• give directions one at a time, or in order of expected performance - according to a child's ability and age.

(Mandy Borraine, Health24)