Effective communication with children helps boost self-esteem

Effective communication helps children to improve their self esteem, learn to communicate, listen to others, and also to foster a sense of respect and responsibility. This is achieved if parents and carers every day dedicate some time to listen to children; involve them in decision making when it is possible; show children that they are being understood and how they feel; criticise the wrong actions children do and not them as a person; be willing to listen to problems that children have and help them overcome difficulties.

On the third anniversary from the launch of the first Positive Parenting Campaign, the Foundation for Social Welfare Services this year is focusing on effective communication with children.

The Foundation is marking Child Protection Day through an informative campaign and the blue ribbon which symbolises commitment in preventing child abuse.

Positive parenting is a style of parenting which keeps away any type of abuse and respects children's right. Children have the right to grow surrounded by respect and loving care. Their rights have to be safeguarded; children need to be guided when taking a decision; need the necessary support to grow up without unnecessary pressures, whilst developing their personality.

Positive parenting includes different important aspects which parents and carers need to consider during their children's upbringing - provide parenting with a positive approach, based on love, encouragement, discipline, care and positive environment; instead of abuse and violence which lead children to grow up insecure, undisciplined and lacking confidence and self-esteem.

The FSWS, thanks to its agencies Aġenzija Appoġġ, Aġenzija Sapport and Aġenzija Sapport, on regular basis embarks on various initiatives that promote positive parenting.

These include interventions within the community and schools; parental skills courses; discussions with parents' groups and educators; services that help families passing through difficult situations; and also projects aiming to help families improve their social situation, like family workshops.

During this campaign there will be also an emphasis on this subject through media interventions; informative adverts on radio; dissemination of informative material for parents and children accessible on Aġenzija Appoġġ's website; programmes and prevention programmes in schools; and also information sessions for professionals who are working with children and their families will be organised later this year.

For further information on positive parenting the public may visit www.appogg.gov.mt or call Supportline 179.