8 ways to build your child's confidence

Occasionally life throws us a curveball and we sometimes struggle to cope or even overcome it. However, we can solve our problems or find solutions to rectify the challenges we face on our own due to our experiences. Now, imagine your child's first day of Kindergarten being released into unknown territories to navigate independently and solve problems on their own. Although this is a natural and encouraging process for our kids to develop and become independent, our responsibility as parents is to properly equip them with the necessary skills and tools to navigate life effectively. When our kids start school, we worry as parents because we have now released them into the world in hopes that they will connect positively with others and form lifetime friendships. For some kids, it's effortless, and for others, it might not be easy.

Why Kids Need Confidence?

In schools, kids face peer pressure, academic pressure and the feelings of wanting to be accepted and belong to a group. The National Bullying Prevention Center revealed statistics showing that one out of every five kids were bullied in schools. What measures have you taken to ensure your child will not be swallowed up by society? Kids must understand their value, worth and purpose, so they are not easily misguided or influenced. I remember, as a child, my guidance counsellor misguided me by limiting my abilities. Had I believed in myself and my abilities, I would not have easily been misled by the guidance counsellor. Building a child's confidence prepares them for society and from the "naysayers.

"Confidence comes not from always being right but from not fearing to be wrong." – Peter T. McIntyre

8 Ways to Build Your Childs Confidence

1. Focus on building your confidence.

Changing the narrative and repairing your mind from damaging words, thoughts and beliefs of oneself. Make positive comments about yourself in the presence of your child so they can observe. Children model the behaviour of their parents. The more confidence you display in front of them, the more likely they are to develop good habits in their everyday life

2. Involve your kids in the decision-making process.

Children like to have some form of control. Allowing them to make decisions can aid in building their self-esteem and aids in developing their confidence

3. Teach your kids to set realistic goals

Goals in the Oxford dictionary is the object of a person's ambition or effort. Create realistic goals that are attainable and encourage them to achieve that set goal.

4. Praise your child's effort.

The right way to help a child effectively develop their confidence and ability is to provide them with the proper praise. Praising your kids for their accomplishments is lovely, but praising them for their effort will produce a significant enhancement in their Strength and abilities.

5. Do not compare your kids to others.

As parents, we like to know that our kids are developing at normal stages. Have you ever compare your child's development to that of a friend's and then begin to project it onto your child? Comparing your kids to others is damaging to their character and self-worth. Kids internalize our judgments and beliefs. They desire to please us, and when they feel they cannot, it creates self-doubt and breaks their confidence. Every child is different.

6. Display their work and achievements.

Allow your kids to see their accomplishments. Let them know what hard work can produce by displaying their artworks and achievements. We can encourage our kids to take on tasks and challenges that'll build their confidence. Eg. I hang my kid's artworks, pictures and achievements on their wall. We recently displayed my two-year-old painting on the wall. Every time he sees his image, he gets excited and says in the cutest voice possible, "my painting!"

7. Help your child discover their skills and passion.

Kids will excel and thrive in whatever they are passionate about. Get them involved in programs and activities that involve socializing to stimulate their minds, build their self-esteem and confidence.

8. Change the narrative of failure.

Teach your kids that mistakes help you grow. Teach them to understand that mistakes are a part of life and that failed attempts allow us to develop better ideas and plans.

To be confident, children need reassurance. They need the right nurturing from their parents to confirm that they are loved unconditionally.

Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts" (Winston S. Churchill).