A lot of the problems with self esteem arise depending upon how we were treated when we were a child. If a parent is harsh towards the child, always criticizing the child, not giving proper encouragement or care to the child, then the child feels worthless and feels no inner value. But if a parent shows love for the child even when they make mistakes; disciplines the child, but in such a way that the child is always assured and reassured of their love, care and concern; invests so many encouraging words – ten, twenty, thirty times before they give one critical word – then child feels he or she is of value. Parents should also teach the child how to actually make decisions and not to depend on others for everything.
– Radhanath Swami