All parents want to raise confident children. The manner in which this is achieved is more problematic. Here are 5 things you can do as a parent to increase the chances that your child is going to be a confident adult.
The first thing you need to do is to observe where exactly does your child needs more confidence and where they already do a good job. In other words, a good parent will explain to their child what in particular they should improve and how.
1. Make them feel valued
In order to give them clear guidance and help, you need to really pay attention to what they’re doing. You don’t have to spend hours and hours engaged in their activities, but in the several minutes that you cut from your busy schedule, they need your undivided attention. This will make them feel important and increase their self esteem.
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2. Offer them genuine compliments
Saying “well done!” may be a good starting point, but you need to be more specific and more genuine with your compliments. Don’t tell them their art is great if it’s not, because they will sense it. If the only thing worthy of praise is their tenacity, focus on that.
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3. Encourage them to make choices on their own
Maybe the toy they chose to play with is not your favorite one, but you are not the one playing with it. Just the same, they may choose the funniest combination of clothes, but you should let them wear it anyway. Making choices will encourage them to trust their own judgement and this will build their self esteem.
4. Allow them to do things that are outside your comfort zone
Because you want to protect your child at any price, you might step in every time they try something new. But everything new is a bit dangerous. You can allow them to experiment as long as they are not seriously putting themselves in danger. Make sure you don’t project your own fears on them, since this a burden too heavy for a child to bear.
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5. Encourage them to find solutions to problems on their own
If you assure your child that making mistakes is an important element of learning, they will be more confident to find their own solutions to the problems they confront. Help them to find solutions, but don’t offer them already made answers.
The confidence of a child is a parent’s responsibility. Please, share this!
