Parents are most likely the first people to know when their child has low confidence. They are aware and most times worried about what may happen to such a child if they are not in the vicinity. Confidence is not innate for everyone; it is shaped by experiences, environment, and role models. In a family where the parents are outspoken and also include the child in the communication, teaching him effective ways to communicate also helps in building a confident child. Confidence can be built while a child is growing up. This article will explain some of the ways to help build a child’s confidence.

Security

Just as adults tend to feel insecure in relationships, children can also experience insecurity; there is a need for reassurance and ensuring the kids also feel secure. When a child makes a mistake, parents or guardians should reassure them that they are still loved. When a kid makes a mistake, they are at a delicate stage of not knowing how the guardian would react and are most times scared; if they are scolded or criticised, there is also a need for them to feel loved.

Positive Self-Talk

As children grow and begin making decisions, they often experience self-doubt and fear of failure. Encouraging them to use positive affirmations from an early age can help build their confidence. If a child becomes accustomed to speaking kindly to themselves and reinforcing their abilities, they will be more self-assured when making decisions later in life. A simple yet effective routine is having them stand in front of a mirror and say encouraging words out loud, reinforcing their belief in themselves.

Asking for Their Advice or Opinion

Involving children in some decision-making process, asking for their opinion, and making use of it also helps children build self-confidence. The child believes they can make decisions and tends to be more confident in their choices.

Goal-Setting

Parents should teach their children how to set realistic goals. Children have dreams and ambitions. Sitting down with the child and helping them develop realistic ways or paths through which the goal can be achieved.

Appreciation

Celebrate their small wins and let them feel the smallest things count. Children who are recognised and appreciated for studying hard or preparing dinner will likely repeat more of these behaviours. A child who is appreciated tends to know that the smallest things matter. Even if he is not winning, the fact that the child is appreciated for trying will enable him to want to put in more effort while still maintaining high self-esteem.

Comparison

You compare your child’s grades with others and then determine whether the kid’s academic achievements are “normal”, better or excellent. Don’t compare other children to your child as this does more harm than good, as this can bruise your child’s self-esteem and make them feel inferior to others.

Role models

A parent is the first role model for a child. Your child is always watching and learning from you.

“Parents are the ultimate role models for children. Every word, movement and action has an effect. No other person or outside force has a greater influence on a child than the parent,” –Bob Keeshan.

Encouragement

Children need words of encouragement to do what they would not ordinarily do on a normal day; they also need constant words of encouragement that they are doing well and should continue that way. Adults, as well as children, are afraid of failure. Many parents often praise successes and give clear expectations on what will happen if the child excels. If a parent can be more open to discussing what failure is, they make clear what they regard as failure would help in building a child’s confidence. Children need clarity. If a child is clear on the consequences, he or she will be clear on what to do and not feel afraid or insecure.

Practice

It is one thing to have a talent and another to develop it. A parent should make time to recognise their child’s interests and try to develop them either by asking them to practice or joining them. For example, if a child is interested in football, then both parents should make time to practise with the child. It will go a long way in building the child’s confidence.

Let Them Act Their Age

A child should be allowed to act his or her age, not burdened by the restriction of behaving in a particular way. If a child is burdened by unnecessary responsibility, the child tends to feel emotionally drained and lose confidence.

Curiosity: Every child is naturally curious from wants to engage their curiosity. They tend to want to do everything and are often enamoured with the way things are going. Curiosity teaches children to be more observant.

Challenges and Limits

You can help build your child’s confidence by challenging them, asking them to perform small tasks and encouraging their accomplishment or encouraging them to take up new tasks. It is also important for all parents to know their child’s limits so as not to bruise or injure their confidence. By knowing your child’s limits, you know what works and what doesn’t work for them.

Social media savvy

The world is becoming more digital, and children are spending more time online. There is a need to set a clear boundary on what to use the internet for and the consequences of breaking it.