It’s amazing how kids start to learn different things as they grow from a day to a month to a year. And before you even know it, they’re ready for school. And one edge to acing the preparedness for school is self-conceptualisation.

One of the most important challenges in raising your child is the fact that they will be facing many things as they take their first steps at school. So, what’s a better idea than helping them prepare for growing up?

What Is Self-Conceptualisation?

A child who is aware of their abilities, behaviour and personality is an edge to learning more about themselves and the world they live in. It affects how they see and perceive themselves. This is how they look, this is what they can do, this is who they want to be. It allows them to personally make better decisions and improve social skills and interaction, too.

Like their growth and development, self-concept also starts as early as they are born. We don’t realise it because newborns are usually soft and fragile, the only time we see them use force is when they cry. So it is important to know what to do when it comes to helping your child manage their self-concept. As a parent, you play the first and most substantial part.

5 Ways To Nurture Your Child’s Self-Concept In Preparation For Preschool

1. Let them grow with words, actions and love for them.

One of the best ways to nurture your child is to support them firsthand, without holding back, and in all the best ways you can show how much you love them. Most of the time, we become too hard on them, we forget that it is not a storm that grows a seed but the gentle shower of rain and the warmth of the sun.

Shower your child with love through words of love and comfort, actions of service and touch and praises for their learning. While they do need to be tough, your warmth and care are some of the best ways to motivate and inspire them to reach their full potential.

When you show your support and love in these simple ways, your child will start to realize and see the good qualities they have. The more you praise what they do best, the more they will lean towards developing what they could potentially be best at.

These are some things you can do with your child to guide them through self-conceptualisation;

• Ask them what they did throughout the day and ask if it makes them happy. This gives you an insight into how aware they are of how their day went and how they were part of everything that was happening in front of them. Through their answers, guide and help them understand things they may not fully understand.
• teaching them how to spot mistakes and errors when they are doing simple activities so they learn to be aware of what they’re doing.
• gifting them with small things like tiny plants or pets that teach them how to look after what they have.

2. Be an example to them.

Like kids, you have to show good examples for them to follow and learn from you. When they see substance in what you do, they’ll learn how to adapt and experiment with what they learn.

They always watch behaviour and actions closer than your constant reminders and wise words. Some kids may be more fond of words, but they will always remember what they see – make it worth the watch for them.

Some things they can learn from you can be;

• Introduce new activities and chores that they’re curious and interested in. Unwrap the mystery behind your actions and activities to them so they learn and broaden their knowledge of the things they can do. They do not seem like it, but they constantly try to process what they just learned, so be patient and just show them how everything is done continuously.
• Be patient with their questions because they may ask them more than once. The good thing is you’ll know when they’ve learned something when their questions are new ones.

3. Be mindful of how the kids talk to themselves.

It is important to keep them busy and productive. Most of the time, letting them have their moments of reflection can also help them improve their respective areas in their lives. But always be mindful of how they speak to themselves – this is usually how they are spoken to. Most of the time, it is how we speak to them that creates the voice in their heads.

Do a bit of self-reflection and see where you can improve how you interact with them. It’s never too late to change, and the same goes for your kids. Always give them a voice they are proud to have; be the parent your kids would love.

Some things you can tell your kids that would be a great echoing voice in their minds are:

• “You did your best! You’ll do your best again and again until you get the results you want.”
• “You may have failed but you learned. You’re wiser.”
• “Does your actions make you happy?”
• “Take care of yourself. When you can take care of yourself, no one can make you feel unloved.”