As human beings, our job in life is to help people realize how rare and valuable each one of us really is, that each of us has something that no one else has – or ever will have – something inside that is unique to all time.
– Fred Rogers

The Fred Roger’s Institute published Fundamentals of Learning and Growing inspired by Fred Rogers and educator practice. “A sense of self-worth” is the first fundamental highlighted.

“A sense of self-worth is a person’s belief in their innate value as a unique individual and that they are worthy of love. It is tied to how someone values and respects all parts of themselves, consistently over time. Self-worth is reflected in someone’s level of confidence, self esteem, and ability to acknowledge areas for personal growth. Self-worth can be related to the difference someone can make in the world, using their gifts to support others. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and a person’s own sense of self-worth can help them appreciate, see value in, and support a sense of self-worth in others.”

“Imagine how much a person can grow, learn, and become when they believe that they matter and have value that is unique and inherent. You can encourage a sense of self-worth in yourself and others when you:

• Share what you notice that makes a child unique, and talk about what makes others unique
• Allow for mistakes and let them be a normal part of growing and learning
• Encourage children in their efforts more than their outcomes
• Are present when a young person is sharing about themself
• Help children honor and express their emotions
• Expect children to take on developmentally appropriate responsibilities and invite their participation in meaningful tasks
• Take care of yourself in ways that model love for yourself and respect for your own needs
• Use your own strengths to help others
• Set and model boundaries that create an environment of respect for yourself and others
• Express gratitude and appreciate others”