Every child needs regular self esteem boosts, especially from parents. Try the following ten ways to boost your child’s self esteem.

Provide supportive praise that acknowledges choices and is specific in nature. While saying, “Good job,” is fine, it’s even better to say, “You did a good job cleaning up after yourself in the art room,” which shows you noticed the specific choice.

Compliment your child on unique characteristics. Try to catch your child doing something good.

Invest quality time with your kid. When you prioritize your child over other obligations, you are communicating how important he or she is to you.

Give your child your full attention when he or she is speaking. Show you are listening by nodding and asking questions.

Support your child’s interests. That may mean sending your child to lessons, practicing with your child, and listening to him or her talk about the subject.

When you must discipline your child, do so assuming your child will listen and obey. You need to remain optimistic that this time your child will finally get it, even if it’s a tough issue.

Give your child a warm smile. Many adults don’t realize how serious their expressions are, and how frightening a serious face can be to a child.

Be affectionate with your child. Your touch means so very much to your child.

Notice when your child improves in an area. This can be super effective if your child has struggled to deal with a particular issue for a long time. Your support helps your child believe he or she can overcome.

Post evidence of your child’s success somewhere it can be seen.

Bonus Tip: Check out parenting books for help building your child’s self esteem. For preteen girls, try Reviving Ophelia, and for siblings who constantly quarrel, try Siblings Without Rivalry. If you have a son, check out Raising Cain, and if you have an opinionated, stubborn child, check out Raising Your Spirited Child.

Do you why so many American children are overweight? Children in the US are wasting too much time in front of televisions, computers, and video games. It’s time we got our kids outside, where they can think, create, and explore, using both bodies and minds. The following list of ten activities will give you a point of reference as you come up with ways to get your child active.

Sign your child up for a sport. Try tennis. Put up a volleyball net in your yard. A running club. Anything that gets your child up and moving counts.

Set up a scavenger hunt. Coordinate with other parents in the neighborhood or apartment complex and set up a list of things your child and his friends need to find.

Teach your child to walk a dog. If you don’t have a dog, have your neighbor ask your child to please walk their dog for them, as a favor.

Gather together a bunch of neighbor kids for a big, multi-property hide and seek game. Older children may want to play flashlight tag with friends in the dark.

Set up family games outside, like badminton. Once you’ve got the gaem set up outside, call up your friends and family and have them over to play.

Set up a jump rope competition. Have more than one type available; have individual competitions using Chinese jump ropes, short ropes, and long ropes where many people jump at once. Give out inexpensive prizes, like bubbles or silly string.

Find summer camps that will keep your child active. Check out your community website or paper for inexpensive, fun programs.

Hand over the mowing responsibility. Most kids can take over at least half the yard by age ten.

Show the kids how to play Twister. Time the kids to see who can last the longest.

Go for a walk with your child. Or a bike ride. Or to shoot baskets with you. If you use exercise as a way to spend time with your children, they’ll be more eager to participate. Be a great example for your child and watch them follow in your footsteps!