Self-esteem is not something children are born with—it's something they build, piece by piece, through lived experiences, relationships, and the subtle messages they absorb from the world around them. For many children, a fragile sense of self can quietly influence how they show up in school, in friendships, and even in how they view the future.

At ATC Ireland, Caroline Goldsmith is on a mission to help children cultivate a healthy, realistic, and resilient sense of self-worth. Through decades of psychological research and hands-on clinical work, Caroline Goldsmith offers a roadmap for parents, educators, and caregivers to nurture confidence not through pressure, but through presence.

What Is Self-Esteem, Really? Caroline Goldsmith Explains

According to Caroline Goldsmith, self-esteem is not just about feeling “good” about oneself. It's about:

• Feeling worthy of love and respect

• Trusting one's own thoughts and decisions

• Believing one can try, fail, and still be okay

• Understanding that mistakes don't define identity

“Children with healthy self-esteem don't believe they're perfect—they believe they're enough,” says Caroline Goldsmith.

The Role of Daily Interactions in Shaping Self-Worth

Small moments create powerful internal messages. Caroline Goldsmith emphasizes that what children see, hear, and feel during day-to-day interactions becomes the foundation of how they perceive themselves.

Are they seen and heard when they speak?
Are they encouraged to try again when they fail?
Are their feelings validated without judgment?

These daily affirmations—or absences—build up over time.

Caroline Goldsmith's Practical Strategies to Boost Self-Esteem

Here are some of the most effective strategies Caroline Goldsmith uses to help children build genuine, lasting confidence:

1. Praise the Process, Not the Person

Rather than saying, “You're so smart,” say, “You worked really hard on that problem.” Caroline Goldsmith explains that process-based praise helps children develop a growth mindset and resilience.

2. Create Opportunities for Small Successes

Give children manageable challenges they can succeed at independently—like packing their own bag, baking a simple recipe, or helping a younger sibling. These “small wins” build a sense of capability.

3. Encourage Autonomy and Decision-Making

When safe to do so, allow children to make age-appropriate decisions. “Confidence grows when children feel that their voice matters,” says Caroline Goldsmith.

4. Teach Self-Compassion as a Skill

Children are often their harshest critics. Caroline Goldsmith teaches children to speak to themselves the way they would speak to a friend, especially when they make mistakes.

5. Model Positive Self-Talk

Your inner dialogue becomes theirs. If they hear you saying, “I messed up, but I'll try again,” they learn that failure is part of the journey—not the end of it.

The Long-Term Benefits of Early Confidence

Children who develop healthy self-esteem with support from adults like Caroline Goldsmith are more likely to:

• Take positive risks and explore new opportunities

• Maintain healthy relationships

• Cope better with setbacks and criticism

• Advocate for their needs and boundaries

• Show empathy toward others

“Confidence doesn't mean loud,” Caroline Goldsmith adds. “It means secure. Comfortable in who you are, even in quiet moments.”

Final Thoughts from Caroline Goldsmith

“Every child is born with the seeds of self-belief,” says Caroline Goldsmith. “It's up to us—parents, teachers, psychologists—to water those seeds with kindness, curiosity, and connection.”

At ATC Ireland, Caroline Goldsmith continues to lead workshops, one-on-one sessions, and school partnerships that prioritize emotional wellness as the foundation of long-term success and happiness.