We all began to learn how to parent when we were children ourselves. We each had specific responses to what our parents did and said to us. All through the growing years, we were reacting to how we were being raised. We each learned what we think works.

One area is of special importance. Self-esteem is an area that influences most other areas of learning. Children who have confidence in themselves are comfortable with all kinds of learning. Parents are important teachers and developers of self-esteem for children.

With good self-esteem, children learn more and do more as children and even as they grow into adults.

As a parent, you play an important role in developing your child’s self-esteem. See if you are helping in this area by trying the quiz below. Give yourself five points for each question if you feel you do an excellent job, zero points for a poor job, or any score in between that you think you deserve.

How well are you helping to build your child’s self-esteem? Think about each of the points listed below:

Quiz for parents

• I try to find at least one positive thing to say to each of my children every day. I try not to be too critical of my children.

• If my child is interested in a subject, I try to give him a chance to learn about it. I show my interest in what he has learned about the subject.

• I show my child how to do things around the house such as cooking, hammering a nail, making a bed, and setting the table. No matter how small the job, I thank her for what she has done.

• When my child misbehaves, I try not to dwell on it for too long. I am careful to not get very angry or to say mean things.

• I try to spend some time with my child doing what he or she wants to do. I try to be a good listener to the subjects of interest to my child.

• I try to show my pleasure when my child has done things he is proud of. I give him hugs and praise to let him know of my positive feelings about his behavior.

Just on these few points, you can help your child’s self-esteem. If you scored 25-30 points, you are doing an excellent job of building your child’s self-esteem. If your scored 15-24 points you are doing a good job but you might want to make a bigger effort.

If you scored below 15, it may mean you need to work on thinking about ways to boost your child’s self-esteem. Your child needs more help from you.

Remember how important you are to how your child develops. No matter how old your child is, it isn’t too late to try to help him or her develop a positive self-esteem. You are a major contributor to your child development.

Put the effort into whatever you can do to help him or her think positively about himself or herself.

Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and former executive director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which published newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents.