How To Raise Confident Kids
Every parent hopes that their children will have the confidence to be themselves in every situation and to excel in activities that they enjoy.
But it can be daunting to realize that you are your child’s most important source of learned confidence, especially when you aren’t feeling like a world-class mom on the hard days.
Thankfully, there are some simple ways to encourage your child to be confident, and all they require are your dedication to your child’s success and unwavering love.
Set Appropriate Goals
Instead of focusing on perfecting skills immediately, give praise with each step they take towards achieving their goal. Set the bar at an achievable level, and when they reach that goal, raise the bar a little higher. They will end up with several small victories along the way and will learn the value of perseverance.
Encourage Problem Solving to Raise Confident Kids
When your child comes across a difficult situation, whether it is physical or mental, don’t rush in to make their lives easier. Instead, walk beside them and talk them through the process and assist them in finding their success.
Your kids will be grateful that you taught them to think critically and have the confidence to solve situations when they are older.
Focus On Their Strengths
If your child prefers baseball over soccer and you can see that they have a talent for using the bat and catching a ball, then allow them to be involved in the sport where they can succeed.
If we push our kids to constantly be in positions where they struggle, then they will shy away from trying new things. As parents, we are responsible to discern where our children’s strengths lie and allow them to shine whenever possible.
When we teach our kids that they can succeed, then when they need to be involved in a sport or activity that is difficult, their confidence will carry them through.
A Variety Of Skills to Raise Confident Kids
Keep your child enrolled in a variety of activities so their minds stay sharp and they will end up with a toolbox of skills that they can pull from throughout life.
Some good examples of physical skills would be martial arts or drum lessons. Either of these hobbies are well respected, and your child can carry their talents into adulthood.
Home Is A Haven
When your child comes home from school after a rough day, their home needs to be a place where they are allowed to be vulnerable and safe.
If your little one is struggling with reading and is afraid to participate in the classroom, you can offer a helping hand by sitting with him and practicing together in a non-stressful environment such as his bedroom or the living room couch.
Model Confidence to Raise Confident Kids
As you encourage your child to be confident, keep in mind that they will be watching you. Take extra care to model a positive attitude as you encounter situations.
It is important to never underestimate the value of taking the time to learn who your child is and to discern where your kids need extra doses of affirmation throughout the day.
Focus on allowing your child to experience success and learn how to think critically, but above all, remember that a well-loved child will often yield a confident child.
-Cristin Howard
Author Bio: Cristin Howard runs Smart Parent Advice, a site that provides parenting advice for moms and dads. Cristin writes about all of the different ups and downs of parenting, provides solutions to common challenges, and reviews products that parents need to purchase for babies and toddlers.