For children, child self esteem and self worth begin at a very early age, when bonding occurs. Children who feel loved and wanted will have higher child self-esteem than children who do not feel appreciated by those closest to them.

A baby who is not cuddled enough or who is left alone too long, may feel unwanted or abandoned -- a scenario that sets the stage for poor child self esteem. He may grow to feel that he is not worthy of being loved or attended to.

It is normal to view ourselves as others view us, (others being our parents, family members, grown ups, teachers and peers), and children typically rely on this as they grow. That is why peer group and peer group pressures are huge influences in adolescence. The child who enters adolescence having been constantly criticized, bullied or ignored during early childhood will have much less child self-esteem than children who are praised, encouraged, listened to and valued.

Children whose opinions are valued consistently have higher child self worth than those who feel that their opinions are not worthy.

Children who are encouraged to try new activities early on will develop a more positive self esteem and feeling of independence than those who feel "why should I bother; I’ll probably fail, anyway".

Kids with healthy, positive child self esteem have a predictably better chance of success in life than those who have poor self-esteem.