Title: Healthy Self-identity in Children is Everything | Psychology Today
Headings: Healthy Self-identity in Children is Everything
Jim Taylor Ph.D.
Healthy Self-identity in Children is Everything
Is today's media preventing their development?

Content: Create a Healthy Family Lifestyle
Your children will base much of their self-identity on their most immediate environment. If your family life is informed by healthy values, choices, activities, and relationships, they are more likely to internalize those messages as their own. Surround Your Children With Healthy People
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You can surround your children with healthy people in their immediate social world who support everything that goes into the development of a positive self-identity. These healthy messages will not only prime your children to think, feel, and behave in beneficial ways, but they will also provide consistent exposure to contrasting healthy perspectives that can mitigate the influence from media. Talk and Listen to Your Children
Your children have a tremendous capacity to communicate with you about what is happening in their lives, both good and not so good. Unfortunately, they’re often speaking in a language that parents don’t understand. If you listen to their messages, verbal, emotional, and behavioral, you’ll be better able to hear what they’re trying to tell you, particularly when they’re asking for help. Also, don’t be afraid to talk to your children, especially on topics that make you uncomfortable or they may not want to hear. Though they may not always seem like they’re listening, your children want your guidance and support because they know that they can’t go it alone and they need you are on their side. Focus on Others
The one form of externalization of self-identity that is healthy is when your children direct their focus and energies onto helping others.