5 Small Ways to Help Build Confidence in Kids
Having a healthy dose of self-confidence is just as crucial for children as adults. Self-confidence is the foundation upon which all other success is built. As a parent, one of the most important things you can do is help your little one develop confidence and healthy self-esteem. Kids who feel good about themselves are more likely to succeed in school and in life. They're also more likely to take risks and try new things. Confident kids are also better able to cope with setbacks and failures. They're also less likely to be afraid of making mistakes and more likely to persevere when they encounter difficulties.
Building confidence in kids, however, takes more than just praising them or giving them compliments regularly. There are many small things that parents can do to help their children develop self-confidence. Here are 5 of them:
Encourage your child to try new things, even if they're afraid of failing
It's natural for parents to be protective of their kids and to want to shield them from failure. But for kids to develop self-confidence, they must be given the opportunity to try new things and experience the occasional setback. When kids are encouraged to step outside of their comfort zones and take risks, they learn that they can handle whatever comes their way. They also learn that making mistakes is a normal part of life and that it's okay to fail occasionally.
It's a great idea to encourage your little one to sign up for that after-school activity, even if they're afraid of not being good at it. Or, let them choose their outfit for school, even if it's not what you would normally pick out for them. Allowing kids to make their own choices and experience the occasional failure will help them develop self-confidence.
Help them set realistic goals
One of the best ways to help kids build self-confidence is to assist them in setting achievable goals. When kids set their sights too high, they're more likely to become discouraged when they don't meet their expectations. On the other hand, when goals are set too low, kids may not feel challenged enough and may become bored or apathetic.
It's important to help your child find that sweet spot in between - a goal that is challenging enough to be exciting but not so complex that it seems unattainable. Assist them in breaking down their goals into smaller, manageable steps. And most importantly, celebrate with them when they reach each milestone along the way.
Provide plenty of opportunities for positive reinforcement
When kids feel good about themselves and their accomplishments, they're more likely to develop self-confidence. That's why it's essential to provide plenty of opportunities for positive reinforcement. This can be in the form of verbal praise, high-fives, hugs, or even just a smile.
Whenever your child does something that you're proud of, let them know about it. Point out their successes, no matter how small they may seem. And when they make mistakes, be sure to focus on the effort that they put forth, rather than the outcome.
Let them make their own choices
Allowing kids to make their own choices, even if they're small ones, is a great way to help them develop self-confidence. When kids are allowed to make decisions, they feel empowered and in control. This can be as simple as letting them choose what to wear each day or what color cup they want to use at breakfast.
Of course, there will be times when you need to override their choices for safety reasons or logistical constraints. But whenever possible, let your child make their own decisions. They'll thank you for it later.
Encourage them to express their feelings
Sometimes, the best way to help kids build self-confidence is simply to listen to them. When children feel like they're being heard and understood, they feel valued and important. So, encourage your child to express their feelings, whether they're happy, sad, or mad.
Let them know that it's okay to feel whatever they're feeling. And help them to find healthy ways to express themselves, such as through art, writing, or movement. Encouraging kids to express their feelings is a great way to help them develop self-confidence. It shows them that their thoughts and opinions matter and that they are worthy of being heard.
Confident kids are happy kids. By providing them with plenty of opportunities to build self-confidence, you're setting them up for success in all areas of their life.
At Mrs. Myers' Learning Lab, we believe that all children can be happier, more successful, and confident learners, no matter their current education level. That's the promise the certified teachers of Mrs. Myers' make to you and your child. Visit our website to learn more!