Self-esteem is necessary to succeed in life. Cultivate it in your children and in yourself. Approve of yourself, be your own best friend, nurture your inner child; and forgive yourself. You are and have been doing the best you could with what you knew at the time. If you now know better, you can now change and do better. Forgive others too.
As the song says,
“You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and stars, you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.”
As a child of the universe, you are loved by the creator, and are worthy of love from others; and yourself. Marvel in the uniqueness of you, and in God’s love. If God loves you, surely you are worthy of your own love. Be the best that you can be.