Do you want your child to feel good about himself? Would you like to see him face challenges head-on and figure out ways to solve them? Wouldn’t it be great to see that confidence carry over into adulthood and help him be successful? Self esteem is an extremely important factor in your child’s life, both now and later on, and the building blocks for it start early in life. A child with healthy levels of confidence feels loved and competent, and he is generally happy in life. Concerned about how to do this? Here are some simple methods to incorporate into your parenting style:
Spend One-on-One Time: Showing an interest in your child is one of the easiest ways to boost her self-confidence, and it’s even more effective when your child has your full affection. You don’t have to arrange elaborate trips, either. Something as simple as playing a game of Go Fish or heading out for an ice cream cone can be a great opportunity for asking her about her day. This also keeps your bond close and helps her understand that she can come to you with anything.
Let Him be Independent: Perhaps you’re in a rush, so you tie your son’s shoes for him instead of waiting for him to do it himself. Maybe it seems easier to show him how to do his homework instead of letting him work it out on his own. But a child who faces a challenge and then is able to overcome it independently feels a great sense of pride. Be patient and take a few steps back.
Watch Your Praise and Criticism: You know that your child is smart and talented, but you can’t always demand perfection. A child who feels that she will never live up to your expectations is more likely to give up than to try harder. Let your daughter know that it’s okay if she makes mistakes or if she doesn’t get 100% on her spelling test. On the other side of the same coin, you don’t want to give false praise. Kids need to understand when they do things wrong so that they have a chance to improve.
Give Them Responsibilities: Your goal as a parent is to raise your child to be an independent, functional part of society. One of the first steps towards this goal is to help them understand what responsibilities are. Assign your children household chores that are suitable for their age range, and don’t let them get by without doing them.
It is extremely important that your child believes in herself. She needs confidence to tackle the challenges of the world, and the knowledge that she can overcome them. Fortunately, you can start building her self-confidence right now. These ideas are easy to work into your current parenting methods, and chances are you’re already doing some of them. Incorporating these techniques has the added bonus of building a better bond between you and your child, which only furthers her self esteem even more.
