Is your child having issues with showing self-confidence or struggling with expressing themselves in the presence of others? Admittedly, some children take longer to build confidence than others. Indeed, a UK survey stated that 61% of ten to seventeen-year-olds lack self-confidence. Fortunately, school is a good place to build and boost their confidence while you make a similar effort at home. Here are three ways to boost your child’s confidence.
Encourage their interests
Every child has interests and hobbies they enjoy, which is why it’s important to help them explore even further. Sometimes, these interests and hobbies can become their lucrative future careers. Children encouraged or motivated to explore their interests and hobbies have more self-confidence. That happens because words of encouragement make them feel good about themselves and their abilities. As a parent, you may be able to pick up on your child’s interests even before the teacher does. Meanwhile, in the school setting, a teacher can continue encouraging your child to complement what you do at home. Your child will show immense confidence in their abilities in no time.
Allow independence
Many people want to encourage independence in their children but do not know how. Sometimes in a bid to protect these young ones, it isn’t easy to let go enough to teach them how to be independent. Child psychologists say guided independence helps children become more aware of their surroundings as they learn to do things themselves. These are crucial life lessons that help children to transition easily into adulthood. One way to build a child’s confidence is by signing them up for summer camps or school activities that don’t require parents’ presence. Children learn to think independently and can build problem-solving skills when granted these opportunities. You can start this by letting them pack their school bag or choose clothes. You can occasionally offer advice to act as a guide.
Provide positive and constructive feedback and language
It is understandable if you don’t want to hurt a child’s feelings by giving negative feedback. Fortunately, there is a way to go about it without upsetting them. Positive feedback is an automatic confidence booster. It can be in the form of praise and appreciation. For example, did they complete a task without being told to do so? If yes, it is always good to acknowledge their actions by being specific.
Instead of saying, “Great job!” it would be better to express how well they’ve cleaned their room and done the dishes. When you highlight these good deeds, your child learns valuable life lessons from feedback. With constructive feedback, avoiding attacking your child’s personality when something goes wrong is always advisable.
Therefore, do not resort to statements like “Why are you always breaking things? You never do anything right!” Instead, focus on more constructive language like, “I’m happy you help around, but try to handle things with extra care because if you don’t, you could hurt yourself and others.” Feedback like this wouldn’t make a child feel unwanted or inadequate; instead, it boosts confidence and creates the awareness to do better next time.
Prioritize their health
Your child’s health and well-being are major components to consider when thinking of their overall confidence levels. After all, when kids feel well, they approach the world with more interest, curiosity and increased confidence. There are several health factors to take into account to keep them healthy. Start with an annual visit to their GP. Talk about any concerns you may have and get referrals as needed. Next, visit a hearing professional to have their hearing checked. Even children can experience hearing loss. When they do, there tends to be a direct correlation in reduced confidence levels until they are fitted with hearing aids because they are unable to hear the world around them. Schedule an eyecare appointment to assess your child’s vision. This will help them in school and beyond. Finally, a visit to a mental health professional is always beneficial so they can freely discuss any stressors in their life, especially ones that are weighing down on them.
