Syndicate Jean Tracy, MSS's Articles Straight onto Your Web Site! - easy one-time setup, takes only minutes - fresh, informative content on your site - updates automatically - build content-rich sites with our authors! - best of all, it's FREE!! Click here to get started! Feature Articles: Worm Composting - Vermiculture... Six Solutions for Practically Perfect Parenti... Are You in an Unhappy Marriage Just for Your ... How to Handle Curfews for Teenagers... Discipline Tips for Parents... Discipline Tips for Parents ~ 3 Mistakes and ... - Engagement and Wedding in Virginia... - Sourcing for Engagement and Wedding Items... Click here for more >> Books by this Author Character Building on BackTalk Street Build Character as you discuss these fun stories with your kids. Guide their values with the thought-provoking questions. Puzzles and stickers are included!   Character Building with the Family Meeting Diary Hold Family Meetings! You and your kids will discuss problems, create solutions, and build character. This keepsake, written by your family, will be treasured forever.   Discipline Tips for Parents Raise well-adjusted kids who love and respect you. Pick up Discipline Tips for Parents with the problem behaviors and specific solutions you need right now.   Parents in Love - 121 Dating Ideas Discover 121 dating ideas, 89 dating coupons, true stories, and 21 tips to help you laugh, play, and cherish each other. + 3 romantic bonuses.   Subscribe to Our Content Updates *  Your email address: *  Preferred Format: HTMLText     YourName: *  Enter the security code shown:

Is your child's self-esteem low? Are other kids' opinions of him more important than his own? Is he afraid to try new things? Inside you'll find my personal story and how self-esteem affirmations can build character in your child.

How Lack of Confidence Fractured My Ribs:

I started skiing in my 40's. Whenever I looked down from the snow-covered hilltops, my eyes widened. My heart pounded, and my knees turned to jelly. On one downhill run, my fear sent me crashing and I fractured my ribs.

I knew I had to get over my fear because I wanted to ski with my family. Being a child/family counselor, naturally I turned to affirmations. With the next ski trip I told myself, "I can and I am." Then I pushed off into a great downhill ride.

Can you see what I did? When I felt controlled from the outside, I worried about the steepness of the hill, the recklessness of nearby skiers, and my own abilities to make it to the bottom in one piece. With those thoughts I fractured my ribs.

Self-Esteem Affirmations - How Inner Control Increased My Success:

I couldn't let these fears control me. I needed inner control. Affirmations were the answer. At home I visualized the ski slope. I felt the good feeling of swishing down the hillside and I told myself, "I can and I am." I was changing my outer control to inner control. My next ski runs were a breeze. The affirmation worked for me on the ski slopes and this process can work for you and your children too.

Building Character and Reaching Goals:

Don't let your kids be controlled by other kids' ridicule, opinions, or snubs. Don't let your kids be ruled by fear of trying new opportunities. Don't let your child hear put-downs from you.

Teach your children to switch from outer control to inner control. Teach your children to see, sense, and say their goals. Ask them questions. Probe them for their negative thoughts. Guide them to positive pictures, words, and feelings. They'll reach their goals and build character too.

Keywords: self-esteem, character, affirmations, confidence, goals, kids, Jean Tracy

About the Author
Jean Tracy, MSS, Edmonds, WA, USA