How important is good self-esteem in children's development: extremely important!! Having good self-esteem is a key element in the healthy development of children and adolescents (Nuttall, 1991). A person with high self-esteem feels that they can accomplish anything they want, while a person with low self-esteem feels that they are unimportant and nothing it does not make a difference (Nuttall, 1991). The way a person feels affects the way they will act, this is true in adults and adolescents as well as young children (Nuttall, 1991). There are a myriad of influences that can make a difference in the self-esteem of today's children: parents, teachers, friends and society in general all have an effect on a child's development (Bukatko, 2008). The people closest to children have the greatest influence on their self-esteem; therefore it is very important for parents, teachers, friends and other family members to be a positive driving force in how the child feels (Nuttall, 1991). Psychologist Urie Bronfenbrenner developed his own theory of child development called “ecological systems.” theory (Oswalt, 2008). This theory states that there are four different systems in a child's environment that affect their development (Oswalt, 2008). The first of these systems is the microsystem, it is the smallest system and is made up of the child's immediate environment and the way in which he interacts with those in his environment (for example his relationship with his parents). (Oswalt, 2008). The second level is the mesosystem, this system explains how different parts of the microsystem work together for the benefit of the child (e.g. parents supporting a child's extracurricular activities) thus enriching...... middle of paper ..... .pdfBukatko, D (2008). Child and adolescent psychology: a chronological approach. Mason, OH Cengage Learning Cripps, K., Zyromski, B. (2009). Adolescent psychological well-being and perceived parental involvement: Implications for parental involvement in college. Research inMiddle Level Education Online, 33(4), retrieved August 6, 2010 from the Kaplan Library database. Cluff, D. (undated) Emotional Development and Self-Esteem in Children Retrieved from http://www.child-central.com/ Emotional Development and Self-Esteem in Children.htmlNuttall, P. (1991). Self-esteem and children. Family Daycare Facts Series Retrieved from http://www.nncc.org/Guidance/self.estimation.html#anchor210878Oswalt, A. (2008). Urie Bronfenbrenner and child development Retrieved from http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=7930