It’s not a secret: growing up can be hard. Kids are constantly exposed to new experiences and changes which can sometimes cause their self-confidence to dwindle.
However, it’s important not to let their spirits stay down. Raising kids to have a strong sense of self-confidence will better prepare them for life and its many challenges—from combatting peer pressure to pursue their dreams. To best prepare your child for the life ahead of them, consider these ways to help improve your child’s confidence.
Be a positive role model for self-love
Kids tend to mimic their parents. As such, if you want them to have a positive self-image, you must lead by example. If you’ve gotten in the habit of engaging in negative self-talk or self-deprecating humor, try to break that habit. Instead, focus on practicing positive self-talk. Your child will likely follow suit.
RELATED: How to Give Your Children Inner Strength
Enroll them in a sport or other extracurricular activity
One of the many reasons to get your child involved in a sport or hobby is that it can help improve their confidence. When children grow and improve their skills, they become more confident in their abilities. Even losing can help kids improve their confidence, as it teaches them resilience and the importance of not giving up when setbacks or failures occur. Such lessons will stick with them and make them better equipped to maintain confidence in the face of adversity.
RELATED: 5 Must-Haves for Every Sports Mom
Give them praise and reassurance when necessary
If your child is doing an especially good job at something, make sure to tell them. Children tend to derive a lot of their self-worth based on what their parents think about them. As such, it’s important to let them know that you’re proud of them and provide positive feedback from time to time. However, make sure that your praise is warranted. If your child isn’t doing well at something, reassure them rather than praise them. Doing so will help them understand that they can’t be good at everything, but that’s okay.
RELATED: 5 Powerful Ways to Empower Our Daughters
Encourage them to try new things
Whether it’s visiting new places or simply making a sandwich on their own for the first time, try to encourage your children to try new things. Trying new things will help your child expand their idea of what they can do. As a result, they’ll grow confidence in their ability to handle the many new experiences they’ll have throughout their lives.
