8 Ways to Build Confidence in Your kids

For parents, it’s easier to build confidence in kids at an early age. 

But first, what is self confidence? In short, to be self-confident is to have confidence in yourself. It’s a state of mind where you trust your abilities, qualities and judgement without doubt and negativity. 

Here are some tips on how to build up your kid’s confidence so they can protectthemselves from life's more challenging aspects.

1. Avoid comparing your kids to others

“Why can’t you be more like your brother?”, “Look at your friend Henry! Why don’t you learn from him?” If these are phrases you use to criticize your kids, it’s time to change that. Comparing your kid to another is a harmful and toxic approach. While you may think this is a great way to motivate your kids to succeed and do better, it backfires because it actuallylowers their self-esteem and confidence. Children are more sensitive than we think, so their feelings end up getting hurt as they begin to think they are not good enough. Instead, celebrate your kid’s strengths and encourage them to achieve whatever they put their mind and heart into.

2. Help them set new goals

Another method of nurturing self confidence is teaching your kids to set and achieve realistic goals through small steps. A goal can be anything, from practicing a sport to learning a new language. Each time your kid accomplishes a goal, it will raise their self-confidence. Remember: this should be a goal that your kids want to achieve and not something thatyou want them to do while they don’t like it.

3. Create a “Hall of Fame” in their room

Parents should put their children’s achievements, whether big or small, to celebrate their abilities. These achievements can be certificates and trophies, to boost their confidence and promote a positive mindset. By doing this, your kids know that you are proud of them and the “Hall of Fame” reminds them that they are successful and keeps them motivated to learn and do more when they feel insecure about themselves.

 

4. Let them make age-appropriate decisions

Kids often lack confidence and the ability to motivate themselves to work because they can’t make any decisions by themselves.Kids who accomplish goals without help from anyonegrow their self-confidence. As adults, we usually think we know what is best for our children. Avoid hovering and over-controlling everything in your kids' lives, for it makes them less independent and shows them that they are incapable. Sometimes, parents should sit back, relax, and let kids choose what clothes they want to wear or what to pack in their lunch. One way to do this isinstead of doing everything for them, show them how to do it and you won’t have to worry about it!

5. Nurture their hobbies

Every child has hobbies and parents should encourage them to do what they like. If they are interested in a sport or painting, you can support them by registering them for a course or even better, do it with them!It’s the little moments you spend as a family that allow you to connect with your kids. When kids are competent in something, they will gain a lot of confidence in themselves and their abilities and become life-long learners.

6. Help them learn from their mistakes

Failure is a normal part of everyday life, personal and professional. It’s ok when kids fail at something. Parents should be calm and avoid criticizing their kid when this happens. Teach your kids not to be afraid of mistakes and treat them as an opportunity for growth. One way is to turn a failure into a win by acknowledging their feelings and telling them mistakes are an opportunity to learn and in time, they will succeed! For example, if your kid feels like quitting piano class because they didn’t pass a level, empathize with your kid and encourage them that practice makes perfect. 

7. Let them try new things

Did you know thatmost growth and learning occurs just outside of our comfort zone?Encouraging your kid to try something new breaka them out of their comfort zone and overcome fear, two things that hold them back. When your kids try new activities such as skiing or joining the coding club at school, it gives them the courage to embrace challenges and that boosts their confidence. Who knows, in the future when they are applying for a new job or submitting a painting for a local art competition, they will do it with a smile!

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8. Appreciate their effort rather than their result

When your child tries a new activity, there is a chance that they will not be competent at it, and that’s okay because at the end of the day, they had the courage to do so. Sometimes, the journey is more important than the destination so it’s important to recognize your kids' efforts and not just achievements. Parents should appreciate their efforts even in the face of failure, which encouragesperseverance.