From birth onwards, children acquire new skills in a rapid and dizzying pace. Along with these new skills, they gain the confidence to put them into practice.
As children age, self-confidence becomes more important. Kids need to believe in themselves and know that they can handle failure . By overcoming failure and achieving mastery, they can develop healthy confidence.
You can help your children to feel confident by following these 12 tips.
1. Model confidence yourself
Even if you’re not quite feeling it! It’s a great example to your children when you approach new challenges with enthusiasm and preparation. This doesn’t mean that you need to act perfect. Do acknowledge that you’re anxious but focus on the positives.
2. Don’t get upset about mistakes
Children should be taught that mistakes are inevitable and it is important to learn from them rather than dwell on them. Confident people do not let their fear of failure stop them. Not because they are sure that they will never fail, but rather because they know how they can take setbacks with ease.
3. Encourage your children to try new things
Diversifying is better for children than focusing on their strengths. Acquiring new skills helps kids to feel confident and capable.
4. Let kids fail
It is natural to want your child to be protected from failure. But kids learn through trial and error, and failing to achieve a goal can help them realize that it’s okay to fail. This can encourage kids to put in more effort and will benefit them as adults.
5. Praise perseverance
It is important to learn not to quit at the first setback or frustration. Confidence is not about always succeeding. It’s about having the resilience to try again and not getting discouraged if you don’t get it right.
6. Find your passion for kids
Helping kids discover their interests is a great way to help them develop confidence. It is also important to see their abilities grow. This will boost their self-esteem.
7. Set goals
Kids feel stronger when they achieve goals big and small. Encourage your child to write down their goals and desires. Practice breaking down long-term goals into achievable benchmarks. By validating their interest and teaching them the skills needed to achieve their goals, you will be helping them develop their lifelong passions.
8. Celebrate effort
It’s great to praise kids when they achieve something, but you should also let them know that you are proud of their effort regardless of what happens. The development of new skills takes time and effort, but the results are not always instant. Tell them you appreciate the hard work they are doing, whether it’s toddlers who build with blocks or teens who learn to play guitar.
9. They will pitch in
Kids may complain, but they feel valued and connected when asked to perform age-appropriate tasks, such as picking up toys, doing the dishes, or picking up younger siblings after a playdate. After-school activities and homework are important, but feeling needed by your family can be even more valuable.
10. Embrace imperfection
We adults know that perfection is unattainable, so it’s crucial for children to understand this as soon as possible. Children should be taught that the idea of others being always successful, happy and well-dressed, whether on TV, in magazines or on their social media page is a fantasy and destructive. Remind them that it’s okay to be less than perfect.
11. Set them up for success
Children need challenges, but also opportunities to succeed. Encourage your kids to take part in activities that will make them confident and comfortable enough to face a larger challenge.
12. Show your love
No matter what, let your children know that you love them. No matter if you win or lose, whether you get good or bad grades. Even when you are mad at them. Even when you’re mad at them, let your child know that you love him or her.
