ABSTRACT
The Healing the Self model can be a powerful way to deal with anger and violence in children with low self-esteem through the formation of meaningful relationships with educators and caregivers. The model suggests that because children develop through relationships, the relationship itself is the intervention for aggressive behavior; what adults do specifically in their efforts to help children control their behavior isn’t as important as their ability to connect with the child in a meaningful way. Teaching educators and other caregivers how to meaningfully relate to aggressive and violent children is the foundation of the Healing the Self model. Research shows that children’s self-esteem is not based on their aptitude, abilities, or their current mood, but instead is a direct result of their relationships with important people in their lives. Self-esteem is important, foundational, and necessary for children to control their emotions and their behaviors. Self-esteem is generally considered synonymous with how someone feels about himself or herself.
