Help your child develop a strong sense of self

A positive self-esteem is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child. When a child feels good about him or herself they will do better I school, be more cooperative and congenial at home, have better social skills and excel at something…whatever they are passionate about. Here's how to instill that sense of self.

Unconditional love and support.

Knowing their parents love them no matter how smart they are, how well they play, what they look like or how many friends they have. Loving and supporting your child just because they ‘are’ is what parenting is all about.

Allow your child to fail.

Failing gives us cause to re-think our actions. Re-thinking our actions brings sharply honed problem-solving skills.

Allow your child to lose

Losing develops humility, compassion, determination and a sense of fairness.

Praise your child

Praise your child for their efforts as well as their successes. Don’t give false praise, though. Telling a child they are always the best isn’t fair or accurate.

Allow your children to ‘do it myself’.

Letting your 6 year old fix their own sandwich or bowl of cereal is a great way to boost their confidence. Allowing your 4 year old to choose between the green shirt or the yellow shirt…or your 14 year old to choose how to spend their clothing budgets (within reason) gives them confidence in their ability to make good choices.

Watch what you say.

Confidence boosting words should be a part of your everyday conversations with your children. Words such as ‘you can’t’, ‘you’ll never’ and ‘why can’t you be more like…’ should NEVER come out of your mouth.

Parenting style

Change your parenting style to reflect your child’s age. By lengthening bedtimes and curfews and by showing your confidenchild’s ability to perform different tasks, you are boosting their confidence in themselves. They take their cue from you.

Encourage your child to think for themselves.

Give them the tools and space they need to set goals for themselves.

Written by

Darla Noble

confidencechildsocial skillskidsense of self