Hi all.
I have six year old boy who is kind, funny, bright and generally good natured. He has plenty of friends in school and seems well liked.
I've noticed that he has quite a low opinion of himself and thinks he's "stupid". He gets upset easily, especially from digs by his brother who is 8. He beats himself up if he makes a mistake and will punish himself for the smallest crime. He overreacts to any tiny criticism.
Now, I'm a grown woman and have lived my whole life in a similar way. It is only though counselling that I can finally see myself as just as good as everyone else and enjoy my life. I really don't want my little boy living his life the way I did.
So far through both boys' lives I've been (I think!) Encouraging and loving and kind to them. Praising them for their efforts and their actions and trying to help them understand their feelings.
I make a point of spending time individually with each child once a week and I do play and do stuff with the boys together.
I feel at a loss about how to help my little one see the value he has and how brilliant he is without him needing to seek the approval of others.
Or Am I really overthinking this? Plenty of others don't turn out like their parents and my counsellor did point out that my issues won't necessarily be my son's issues.
I really just want my little boy to be happy in himself. Does anyone have any suggestions or books?