Six ways to develop your child’s confidence

Many people today are battling confidence and esteem issues. We don’t realize that a lot of it has to do with our childhood and the fact that we weren’t equipped with the right skills of self-empowerment.

Fortunately, it’s possible to reverse this and avoid making some of the mistakes our parents made. This is through nurturing self confidence in our kids and helping them love themselves.

Below are some tips on how you can develop your child’s confidence starting today.

Children need more love when they have made a mistake. If they are constantly yelled at or criticized for making mistakes, they’ll be less likely to believe in their potential. When they grow up, they will subconsciously feel like there is no room for even the slightest mistake and slowly fade into the background.

Instead, it’s better to encourage them and patiently teach them the right thing to do when they’re wrong.

It’s important to give credit where it’s due. When your child does well in exams, for example, they are most likely looking forward to your positive reaction. A child might end up being more discouraged when a parent barely notices a positive change.

Celebrating their success, therefore, creates a strong sense of self confidence in children and makes them want to do better.

Most of us are learning the benefits of positive affirmations in adulthood. Since we know the power they hold, we can teach our children to say things like, ‘I can do it,’ ‘I can learn how to be good at it,’ ‘I’m not a failure,’ ‘doing my best is enough,’ and many other affirmations. Doing this early enough is an essential step to having an empowered child.

Children are encouraged when they know their opinions are valued. This is a great way to break down any confidence issues because they’ll feel like they’re contributing towards something meaningful.

Allow them to occasionally make decisions on things like dinner plans, their outfit choices and other simple things. With time, they will develop the confidence they need and trust their instincts more.

These days, parents are learning to accept that not every child wants to be a doctor or lawyer. And this is ok. Children are more self-aware and can identify their passions from a young age. With the right kind of support, especially from parents, kids are able to nurture their talents and passions and perfect their skills by the time they’re older.

Supporting your children’s dreams and taking their passions seriously is one of the most powerful tools of self-confidence.

Sometimes the best way to build your child’s confidence is being a positive role model. Monkey see, monkey do! When your child sees how you deal with tasks, take up challenges and handle mistakes and disappointments, they are able to emulate that and even remind you to keep your head up when you feel discouraged.

A strong sense of self-esteem encourages those around you, including your children.