Establish a no put-down policy. Your child probably already knows that he/she isn’t allowed to put siblings or friends down, but has never considered how hurtful it is to turn negativity onto him/herself. For your no put-down policy, explain that for every put down you hear, your child has to give a compliment to that person (even if that person is him/herself!). Then give your child an extra compliment for good measure! The constant positivity is bound to rub off on your child and at the very least, will demonstrate that you believe in him/her.
