Full Esteem Ahead , Inc. has been empowering children since 2010 when Keith O’Neill, Ph.D. founded the company in Newport Beach, California.  As a therapist, father, coach and director of many youth programs and summer camps it quickly became obvious to Keith that the main thing separating the happy, well-rounded, successful and socially adept children from the others, is a highly developed sense of self-worth and confidence. This was not something that he had been taught at home.  His father left when he was nine. He and his three siblings were raised by a single mom, who had her own problems trying to cope.

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He knew in his young mind that this put him at a disadvantage.  “I was fortunate to be mentored by coaches who taught me the value of having a good attitude, and that everyone has the power to make good choices. My coaches showed me how to overcome adversity and helped me to develop strategies on how to cope with my own dysfunctional home life.  As a young man in my twenties, I was learning to become that person I would be proud to be.”

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John Lennon sang to his son, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” Keith’s new found self-esteem was severely challenged at the age of 26, when he suffered a life-threatening head injury.  He went on to earn his Ph.D. and maintains a thriving practice as a psychotherapist.

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Keith has dedicated his life to showing people how good self-esteem can help them weather any storm, and how it can benefit every aspect of all our lives, help us make better choices and unlock our potential for success and growth.  He was the host of “Choices in Wellness,” a call-in, radio talk show, on WIBQ, Sarasota, Florida. He also was a regular guest on the nationally syndicated radio show, “It’s All About Health,” and appeared frequently on the TV show “KNBC Daytime,” in Tampa.

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“Through my education, my life experiences, and having worked with children of all ages, I learned first-hand that children’s self-esteem has a direct effect on their success as adults.”

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After incorporating Full Esteem Ahead , Inc. Keith created the original self-esteem building system which consisted of a set of three interactive DVDs for parents to play with their preschool-aged children.  After using the program, parents reported that their children experienced improvement in motivation, performance, responsibility, social interaction, listening and communication.

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Based on the principles of the original system, an expanded and more elaborate system was created.  “7 Simple Steps to Raising An S-Team  Kid” included thirteen, beautifully illustrated board books, a set of twelve trading cards, a twelve track CD, twelve interactive DVDs and the S-Team  Motto wall cling.  The system was designed so that reading the books, listening to the CD, using the cards, playing the DVDs and saying the motto every day, would actually help children build healthy self-esteem.  After families with preschool-aged children used the new system, they were interviewed on video. 

Next, Keith developed a program for use in kindergartens, preschools, day care centers, churches, in fact, anywhere adults are in a position of influence on young children.

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“In utilizing the tools that your program offers, my staff and I can see an improvement

in the way some of our students handle every day school challenges and confrontational

situations with classmates which will always be a part of life at their ages. Also, focus and

concentration seem increased. The students at California Wiz Kids recite the S-Team Motto

everyday with pride and enthusiasm.” ~Janelle Jones, Executive Director California Wiz Kids

 

Helping very young children build their self-esteem is an essential component of child development, yet one that is all too often overlooked, for lack of know-how.  Full Esteem Ahead®, Inc. plans to take the lead in educating the public and empowering parents and children with information and tools that will help children develop healthy self-esteem before entering kindergarten.  This initiative will have a profound, positive effect on the world in which our children and grandchildren will live.