Key Takeaways
- Self-concept includes self-esteem, self-identity, and self-image
- Create emotional security through consistent, nurturing relationships
- Encourage independence with choices and time for self-help
- Use specific, process-focused praise instead of generic praise
- Anti-bias education supports positive identity development
Last updated: January 2026
Self-Concept
Functional Area 8 focuses on providing physical and emotional security for each child and helping each child develop a positive sense of self.
What is Self-Concept?
Self-concept includes:
- Self-esteem: How children feel about themselves
- Self-identity: Who children think they are
- Self-image: How children see themselves
Building Positive Self-Concept
Create Emotional Security:
- Consistent, predictable routines
- Warm, nurturing relationships
- Safe environment to take risks
- Acceptance of all feelings
Show Respect:
- Use children's names often
- Get down to their eye level
- Listen actively to what they say
- Respect their belongings and work
Encourage Independence:
- Offer appropriate choices
- Allow time for self-help tasks
- Avoid doing things for them they can do themselves
- Celebrate effort, not just success
Developmentally Appropriate Expectations
| Age | Self-Help Skills | Social-Emotional |
|---|---|---|
| Infants | Beginning to hold bottle, finger foods | Attachment to caregivers |
| Toddlers | Undressing, feeding with utensils | Asserting independence |
| Preschoolers | Dressing, toileting, hygiene | Understanding own abilities |
Anti-Bias Education
Support positive identity development by:
- Displaying diverse images and materials
- Reading books with diverse characters
- Celebrating all families and cultures
- Addressing bias when you see it
- Learning about each child's background
Avoid:
- Stereotyping any group
- Making assumptions based on appearance
- Using "colorblind" approaches
- Ignoring children's questions about differences
Praise That Builds Self-Concept
| Instead of... | Try... |
|---|---|
| "Good job!" (too vague) | "You worked really hard on that puzzle!" |
| "You're so smart!" | "You figured out how to make it balance!" |
| "I'm so proud of you!" | "You should be proud of yourself!" |
| "That's the best drawing!" | "You used so many colors! Tell me about it." |
Effective Praise:
- Specific and descriptive
- Focuses on effort and process
- Encourages self-evaluation
- Genuine and appropriate
Fostering Resilience
Help children develop resilience by:
- Allowing safe struggles and failures
- Teaching problem-solving strategies
- Modeling positive self-talk
- Celebrating mistakes as learning opportunities
- Supporting them through difficult emotions
Test Your Knowledge
Which type of praise BEST supports positive self-concept?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
What is the BEST way to support a toddler's developing sense of independence?
A
B
C
D