Ensuring a positive, supportive environment

Physical activity not only enhances health (i.e. strength, flexibility, endurance), but also influences positive attitudes, self esteem and self confidence. Active participation in physical activity is encouraged and is optimized by building it into part of each and every day. One of the best ways to do this is to be active together. Encourage your children to be active and to participate in outdoor activities, foster a love for participating in activities with others and being physically active while making healthy choices. There are so many things teachers and families can do to be active and model dedication to being healthy.

• Plant a vegetable garden and eat the produce that grows
• Walk or bike together to school
• Organize a hikers club with other families in the area
• Encourage participation in intramural sports at school,
• Hold a “Sports of All Sorts” night and try a new sport with the family once a week,
• Have relay races to deliver laundry to the correct locations in the house
• Organize a community “play date” by passing the word that on Tuesday evenings, you will meet at a certain time for fun cooperative games.

Secondly, guardians and teachers can help children learn to feel good about themselves by being supportive of others and by being involved members of their community. Volunteering time as a family or a group for events such as community runs, triathlons, fundraisers, helping others in need, yard clean ups for the school or neighbours that are older, donate toys that you don’t use to others, visit a home for the elderly or take part in preparing a healthy meal at a local food bank are just some ways you can help in your community.

Developing high self esteem during childhood is linked to satisfaction, contentment, success and happiness later in life, therefore it is critical that parents and teachers lay the groundwork to help children develop a positive self esteem as early in their life as possible. At My Best® has been designed by a panel of experts to give you ideas and instructions on how to cultivate a strong foundation and positive self image for your child. Before you delve into the vast collection of activities, read through the next few sections to understand the importance of self esteem in children.