Parenting in Hispanic Families: Lesson Plans

Module 4: Building Self-Esteem for All Family Members

Lesson a: Belonging and Self-worth
Objectives and Suggested Timeline

Lesson b: Family Support and Encouragement
Objectives and Suggested Timeline

Vocabulary | Instructional Aids | Handouts | Slide Show

Vocabulary

Begin lessons with a review of the last lesson’s vocabulary. This helps the participant connect the material from each lesson to the other. Then introduce the vocabulary for this lesson.

Belong	To be a part of or in natural association with something or someone (note: this vocabulary word was in the last lesson, but very important)
Self worth	Self-esteem, pride in oneself, or sense of valuing oneself
Ability	The power, mental or physical, to do something, or to achieve
Strength	The state, quality, or property of being capable
Limitation	A restriction, an inability
Boundary	Limitation
Self-esteem	Pride in oneself
Acceptance	A favorable reception or approval. The state or process of being approved of by an individual or group
Unconditional love	Love, without limitation or conditions
Compromise	A settlement of differences in which each side makes concessions
Dialogue	A conversation between two or more people
Expectation	Presumption or supposition, what a parent believes a person is supposed to do
Constructive use of time	To use one’s time in a way which is considered valuable, not wasting energy and time
Support	To keep one’s spirits from failing during stress; lend strength to, to supply money or provide necessities
Encourage	To give inspiration or incentive
Belong	To be part of or in natural association with something or someone
Self worth	Self-esteem, pride in oneself, or sense of valuing oneself
Ability	The power, mental or physical, to do something or to achieve
Strength	The state, quality, or property of being capable; the capability to achieve a desired result.
Limitation	A restriction, an inability
Boundary	Limit
Self-esteem	Pride in oneself
Acceptance	The state or process of receiving approval from an individual or group
Unconditional love	Love, without limitation or conditions
Compromise	A settlement of differences in which each side makes concessions
Dialogue	A conversation between two or more people
Expectation	Presumption or supposition, what a parent believes a person is supposed to do
Constructive use of time	To use one’s time in a way which is considered valuable

The teacher should become familiar with the words and definitions prior to each session.

Instructional Aids

Please note that some of the vocabulary is repeated in lesson 4a and 4b. This is intentional. Self-esteem, self-worth, unconditional love, compromise, acceptance, belonging, and boundaries are all words worth repeating. Repetition of words is a word attack skill used to emphasize this module’s vocabulary.

Begin the class with a discussion of children’s abilities, specifically, abilities in reasoning and capability of performing a chore or task. Younger children cannot understand everything a young adult comprehends. When parents ask a child to do a chore or task, they often need to explain what they want done. Children need to have a part in the everyday activity of the family to feel they belong. Chores also help children and young adults develop a sense of self-worth that helps them develop strengths and abilities. The children’s reasoning capabilities also develop with the performance of the task or chore. When children fail to do what is asked, the expectations of parents are not met. This happens when young adults fail to respect the boundaries and limitations set forth by the parents. Parents need to fully realize the capabilities, strengths and limitations of their children and young adults. The instructor needs to present a realistic view of age appropriate behavior, strengths, and abilities of different age levels to help the participants visualize and understand.

Parents and children need to take time to talk (dialogue). Communication with each other is essential in getting the point across. If parents don’t explain what they want and what they expect, children and young adults won’t know what is expected of them. The same goes for the children and young adults. They need to talk with their parents and discuss what their needs and expectations are too. Talking (dialogue) can eliminate arguments and confusion.

If and when children break a rule or step out of the boundaries set for them, parents need to know the age-appropriate punishment to administer to deter continuation of this behavior. A parent cannot place a 4-year old in time out for an hour. The child will forget what he has done within 10 minutes of that time. A 13 year old cannot understand a 12-week grounding. A teenager of 17 or 18 will not understand not being able to drive for a month because he/she didn’t pick up his/her clothes. These are all examples of inappropriate punishment for the age of the child.

Realistically, placement of each member of the family is important. If the baby of the family is allowed more privileges than the oldest child, arguments will occur. The age old saying, "that’s not fair," will be heard frequently. Don’t expect more from the child than the child is capable of doing. Knowledge of capabilities, strengths and limitations increases child and family members self-esteem and sense of belonging.

Family encouragement and support are also important in the development of self-esteem and self-worth. Communication will allow greater involvement and success of youth and improve the relationship between parent and youth. Parents can help youth by encouraging goal setting. Goal setting is a social skill that young adults and children need to grow up healthy. Parent’s involvement in goal setting encourages youth and enhances parent/child relationships. There is a definition and examples of goals. The guidelines provided also assist the participant in setting goals effectively.

Handouts

This file is in Adobe Acrobat format. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can download it here for free. Using Acrobat Reader, you can print out the handouts and photocopy them as much as you need to.

Module 4 Handouts

Slide Show

Slide shows are not available for this lesson yet. Please check back soon.