Self-esteem makes us feel good about ourselves and is a key element of happiness and success. It's not something we're born with, but rather something we acquire. This means levels of self-esteem can fluctuate throughout our lives.  A child's self-esteem is boosted when their parents are pleased with them, such as when an achievement is recognised. A child who's never praised will become demotivated. Constantly being told off can damage a child's self-esteem, too. In this episode, we looked at how confidence and an outgoing personality aren't necessarily signs of self-esteem.
 A child who's secure and happy at home may act differently outside the family unit. To be comfortable in new and unfamiliar surroundings, they need positive feedback from their peer group as well as from family. However you develop it, self-esteem matters. Without it, you can feel your efforts are pointless. With it, you're happier and more successful. The good news is, depending on the support children receive, self-esteem can go up as well as down. Find out how the children develop their sense of identity in the fifth series.
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