• Make positive remarks; compliments help to boost self-esteem.
  • Show her how to talk and listen to others.
  • Show her how to include others - often one child is left out in a play situation. By the age of six or so a child can put herself in someone else’s shoes and this helps them to be more sensitive to other children’s needs.
  • Ecourage politeness – make a point of thanking her and saying please before requests so that she learns from your example.
  • Teach her to share her toys and your attention.
  • Take turns with her - taking turns in games and play means having the confidence to claim her go without being so dominant as to take over completely.
  • Allow her to take responsibility for some things as soon as she is able - a child needs to feel she has some control over her life.
  • Encourage modesty - achievements should always be acknowledged and praised but a child should be made aware that not everything they do is brilliant. Children who constantly boast how good they are at something are seldom popular.
  • Help her to cope with anger - if you generally discuss each other’s feelings it will be easier for your child to tell you when she is angry and why, instead of going into a sulk or behaving badly. This applies equally to young children and teenagers who often revert to tantrums during their adolescent years!