A child who learns how to be self confident at a young age will likely grow into a confident adult. Self confidence means seeing yourself in a positive way. A child with a positive view of himself may be more successful as he tries new things and grows into an adult. If your daughter grows up with self confidence, she will have a feeling of self worth. Set your child up for success by teaching her to be confident in herself and her abilities.
Instructions
- 1 Show your child affection. This can start from the moment he is born. Feed him when he is hungry. Hold him, talk to him and play with him. As he grows, read to him and continue to play with him. This tells him that he is important, a message which lays the foundation for self confidence.
2 Allow your child to make choices on her own. When she is young, these should be choices without life-altering consequences. For example, ask your daughter what she wants for breakfast: eggs or cereal? What does she want to wear to school today? Allow your child to make these types of decisions on her own to give her a feeling of independence and control over her life.
3 Give your child a responsibility. When he is old enough, he can put away his toys or he can feed the dog. This will help him to feel as if he is able to contribute something.
4 Praise your child for her successes. Hang that scribbled artwork on the fridge. Post that report card for the entire family to see. Clap for her when she first learns to walk and celebrate with her when she learns to use the potty or read a book. Making your child feel as if she is doing well, as if her accomplishments mean something, helps build confidence in her abilities.
5 Encourage your child to try new things. If he is interested in soccer, help him join a city team. If he wants to draw, sign him up for an art class. Allowing your child to try new things when he is young will help him to avoid a fear of new encounters when he is older. Don't put pressure on him as he explores his options. If he hates playing the piano, allow him to quit without being disappointed in him. Avoiding pressure will help him to feel that new experiences can be a safe and rewarding experience.
6 Place restrictions on your child. Don't set her up for failure by allowing her to do anything she wants before she has the maturity or knowledge to handle the consequences. Know who her friends are and what type of influence they have. Teach her that negative actions (throwing a tantrum) have negative consequences (timeout). Giving your child boundaries will help her learn that there are consequences for her actions and will help her feel confident in her abilities to make correct decisions later in life.
