What do you see when you look in the mirror? Is it someone that you are proud of? Is it a person that you admire and respect? If not, there may be several reasons. Here are some causes of low self esteem.
Appearance
How you look may determine your self-image. If you are a little different from the norm, you may attract ridicule. Perhaps your nose is larger than most. You may have a problem with your weight. It does not take much, for people to tease.
It usually begins in childhood. You may be teased by others. They do this to feel better about themselves. They are insecure and it makes them feel secure to belittle you. This is why kids often tease the less fortunate and retarded. It makes them feel more intelligent and superior.
Sibling attention
Sisters and brothers tease each other all of the time. They live in the same home. They share the same parents. They all want the same attention and love from the parents. This can be worse with an only child. After many years, a new baby sister or brother may appear. It seems like the baby gets all of the love and attention. This can make the child feel insignificant.
Parents and favoritism
This happens more frequently than people may realize. A parent may be closer to one child than another. They may lavish more affection and attention on this one child. This can make someone feel like there is something wrong with them. Perhaps they do not deserve attention or love. It can destroy a young ego. It is very important for parents to refrain from favoritism.
Grandparent favoritism
This may be a larger problem with grandparents. They do not feel they are under the same rules as parents. After all, their child rearing job is done. If one grandchild gets better gifts than the others, it is demoralizing. The grandchildren feel unloved and unwanted. They may blame themselves instead of the grandparents.
Dealing with bullies
Bullying is another problem in schools today. People of limited intelligence will often bully others to feel superior. This serves to completely ruin a child’s sense of self-worth. It is important for parents to keep the lines of communication open with their children. Asking may not be enough. Sometimes you have to dig deeper.
Final thoughts
Appearance is one of the causes of low self esteem. Sibling rivalry is another. Parents and grandparents may favor one child over others. This makes the others feel worthless. It can totally destroy their self-confidence. Talk to your children about bullying, also. Make sure they know that you are there for them.
causes of low self esteem Another reason for low self esteem that can be reversible is not having a purpose. Jobs often do more good than anything in situations such as this. All too often a person with low self esteem because they have had a rough childhood.