We all want to raise our children to be confident in who they are, and it can be heartbreaking when your child struggles with their self-esteem. Most often parents look to sports as a way to build their child’s confidence. But not all kids enjoy, or excel, at sports. So what can you do to give your child the self-esteem they are lacking? Try music.
Some of our other posts suggest this, too. Like benefits of picking up guitar, singing and piano to just name a few.
Engaging a child through the arts, and specifically though music, can help them develop a positive outlook about who they are and what they can accomplish. The best thing we can do for our children is to let them build their own unique identity, and music is a great way to allow your child to find confidence in who they are.
The confidence-building power of music
The minute you sing the first lullaby to your baby your child is starting to connect with music. And while you may think that you are just putting your newborn to sleep, you are doing much more than that, you are helping your child develop an understanding of language. But that isn’t all that music can do for your kids, here are some ways that music can help your child develop self-esteem.
Music improves language development
Children who struggle with language and speaking often struggle with self-esteem. They may be uncomfortable talking to other children because of a speech delay or impediment. Music is a great way to improve language skills if you have a child that needs help pronouncing or enunciating words. Try having them sing along to the radio – not only is it fun, it is also a great way to improve their speaking abilities.
Music enhances social skills, leading to better self-esteem
Taking classes can provide your child with the opportunity to develop friendships with other kids who share an interest in music. In addition, it can help them learn how to work as a team, which can help your child work together with others in a comfortable setting.
Music encourages competition
A little competition is never a bad thing, it can help your child deal with both success and failure. And while we never want our kids to fail, putting them in situations that help them learn how to manage failure can help them develop. Failure is what can drive your child to work for what they want, which can provide a boost to their self-esteem. Music competitions can help your child become more confident in their skills, and to see criticism and feedback as a positive.
Music makes kids smarter
Research has proven that music lessons can increase your child’s IQ. The Harmony Project conducted a study of children that taken music classes for two years or more and learned to play a musical instrument. The results of the study showed that children who study music have improved reading and speech skills. So all those years of listening to tuba practice, as painful as they were, were worth it. You can check out more on PBS’ “Science and Song”.
Music Does Contribute to your Child’s Self Esteem!
While music cannot solve all of the challenges your child may face, it can help them have the self-esteem to better manage the tough times. It can help your child with socialization and relationship-building skills that can result in friendships lasting a lifetime. But more than that, music challenges your child academically, mathematically and even physically. All of which gives you a well-rounded child that can not only be confident in their accomplishments, but also in failure. So if you have a child struggling with self-esteem, try music, it can change your child’s life.
