Developing Self Confidence In Kids 

Self-confidence is an important factor in the life of anyone, young or old, and self-confidence begins at an early age, during childhood, when all of a person’s perception of themselves and the world around them begins. Parents play a vital role in the development of self-confidence in children, and there are numerous ways to give their child’s confidence a healthy and effective boost.

Praise

One of the most effective ways to boost a child’s self-confidence is praise, which should be given in limitless proportions whether it’s a good grade at school, an excellent job in cleaning their room, helping with the dishes, or drawing a pretty picture, letting them know how great a job they did, often, is the best and easiest way to give praise, and also a very effective way in starting the process of helping them build self-confidence.

Acknowledge the Little Things

The tiny things kids do often go unnoticed by parents, whether picking up a toy and putting it away or taking their dishes to the sink after dinner, but these little things need to be acknowledged. Letting the child know that you did notice the small deed and that it’s great that they did it is a step in the right direction toward building his or her self-confidence.

Pay Close Attention

When a child shows his parents something that he or she has made – a painting, craft project, or drawing – they are, in effect, seeking their parent’s approval and praise. Parents, who lead busy and filled lives, often glance at their child’s object, smile, nod, and send them on their way. While no offense is intended, this may not be how it is perceived from the child’s perspective. Paying closer attention to them, on the other hand, and asking questions, complimenting, and even pinning up that picture or painting is one way of instilling in them that they can, and have, done well and that you are proud of them and their accomplishment, all of which are confidence boosters!

Award the Improvements, Big and Small

Not all improvements and accomplishments are enormous, but they are all important and deserving to the child and should be treated so by their parents. Whether it’s a markup on a report card, a better grade in an area where the child has been struggling, or a more extensive effort in their sport of choice, all improvements and efforts should be noticed, acknowledged, and awarded in some way. This could be a trip out for ice cream after the game, a special treat for a good grade, or even a smile, hug, and warm and sincere congratulations!

Practice Good Communication

Communication is vital to a healthy relationship between a parent and child and contributes to helping them develop their self-confidence. Parents should take the time to talk to their children and ask questions about their lives, their activities and school work, sports and interests, and any other topic that might be present to discuss. It is also imperative to let the child lead the conversation, choose the issues they might want or need to talk about, and be allowed to ask questions and be answered. Communication is necessary for any relationship, particularly that of a parent and child.

Offer Encouragement

Often kids need a little extra boost to get them moving in the right direction – to try out for a sports team, take part in a contest, or speak up in class – and what better place for that boost than in the form of encouragement, to come from than from his or her parent. Encouraging your child to strive for their goals, go out on a limb, work hard for what he or she wants, and take risks when needed and appropriate are all great ways to set them in the right direction to build a healthy level of self-confidence.

However, there are times when our encouragement can have no effect on our child. This usually happens when the cause of their low-self esteem is superficial. For example, if they have crooked teeth. In cases like this, it’s a good idea to get the issue fixed. This will not only boost their confidence but also provide health benefits. If your child has dental issues and you don’t know where to find a good dentist, you can search for a term like “dental implants oakbrook terrace” on the internet, and it should provide you with some options.

Show Your Support

A parent encourages their child to try out for the hockey team, reassuring him that he is a great player, and finally, he does and makes the team effortlessly. So the parent’s job is done? Far from it! The most important thing any parent can do for their child, in not just helping them build self-confidence, but in helping them in so many other aspects of their personal development, is to support them in all of their endeavors. This could be a variety of things, whether going to their games, helping them practice after school, volunteering to carpool for practices, and then bringing along the refreshments afterward. No amount of support is too much!

Make Room for Failures, Mistakes, and Downfalls

No parent is perfect, and the same goes for children. They will sometimes make mistakes, have failures, and be disappointed in themselves. The best thing a parent can do in these situations is to let them have the room, and the freedom, while letting them know that it’s okay to make mistakes sometimes, that no person can be perfect all the time, and that the way they are feeling will not last, and the parent is proud of them no matter what. Making room for these blunders will give them the freedom, and the confidence, to pick themselves up, brush themselves off, and get back on their feet again!

Two great books to consider when you want to make a difference in your parenting styles to better your child’s self-confidence are Your Children Are Listening and The Happiest Kids in the World. The words you offer your children at a young age will stick with them throughout their life. In the book, Your Children are Listening; the author helps you understand just how important the positive and negative words you say ABOUT your children will impact them. Sometimes, we stay far too busy. Sometimes, it is even a good kind of busy. In the Happiest Kids in the World, the author helps you understand how the Dutch raise their children and offer so much happiness. What do they do and NOT do with their children that makes them the world’s happiest kids?

Parents all want what’s best for their children and want them to grow up to be independent, happy, and successful adults. The steps to accomplishing this start during their childhood, and helping them become self-confident kids will, years from now, result in self-confident adults.