Quick and Handy Tips for Building Self-Confidence in Kids
No parent desires his offspring to be good academically and in athletics. However, there would exist qualities for their children to face every little thing that comes along-from any life situation-with strong confidence. It teaches children to believe in themselves from the early age. Thus when a self-confident child, most willing tries new things and does not stop trying even after failing, eventually leads him to lay the foundation for defining his own identity.
However, the instillation of self-confidence in toddlers-from about 18 months to three years-is rather an uphill task; it can, however, be achieved by proper placement and techniques. Let’s discuss now the complete steps of laying a strong foundation of self-confidence in the child.
1) Provide a Loving, Safe Environment
The toddler’s journey toward self-confidence begins at home.
Give Senses of Security
If the child is sure that the environment is safe, he will try new things: when he has a go at driving his little toy car and falls off, he just wants to have a peek at you, and if you stay calm, take him in your arms, and say, “It’s alright, try again,” it lets him know how not to fear or become anxious when things go wrong.
Show them true, unconditional love.
All children gain only seeing those desires that are fulfilled by parents for what he or she is. When you give unconditional love-no matter how naughty he is or how small wrongs he commits-confidence and trust increase that much more. A hug or pat on the head or just saying, “I am proud of you” makes a lasting impression on children.
Create routine and rules.
Routines secure a child; for example, there are equal times that everyone wakes up at a prescribed hour, and equally timed mealtimes, playtime and bedtime. In this way, the child knows what is coming next and feels more secure holding the fact that everything seems to be steady.
2) Bestow Independence and Opportunities to Learn
Confidence comes when the child can make his own decisions and take small responsibilities.
Let them explore.
Don’t keep stopping them; instead, say let them have different experiences. For instance, say your child wants to wear his shoes by himself. Let him take time to figure it out, even if he puts them on wrong. This teaches him to be self-sufficient.
Make him accept failures.
If he tries to build a tower of toys, and it falls down, instead of saying “You silly boy,” say, “Wow, you really worked hard. Let’s see how we can make it stronger.” By this, he understands that mistakes are a part of learning, not a reason to give up.
Value hard work and effort.
Don’t just give praise for the outcomes. When the child is doing a painting and runs out of colors, you can say, “I really like that you painted carefully for so long.” This tells him his hard work is valued, although he may not hit the spot in results.
Assign Small Responsibilities
Assign small task chores to do for the child, laying spoons on the table, or putting away his toys. Give them the pat on the back when a task is completed successfully by the child; further instilling the belief “I can do something too.”
3) Show Example of Self-confidence.
Children will always do what they see their parents do.
Be Confident Yourself:
When you face an uphill task and the child hears you saying “this is a little difficult, but I will try,” he will take it as well.
Accept Your Mistakes:
When you make a mistake, it’s not in a cave; instead, say to the child, “I also made a mistake, but I will learn to be careful next time.” Now the child understands that it is part to err human and it is a learning opportunity in how to move ahead.
4) Encourage Their Interests.
This is different in each child; some children like songs while others enjoy drawing; still others want to run toy cars around.
Let the chance grow more in hobbies.
If his interests are in color shades and painting, bring him pencils and paper. If he has an outdoor running interest, get him a park to run at. What makes children happy is doing what they like-self-satisfaction.
Set Small Targets
Set child goals that can be age taken comfortably, “Today you will stack three blocks on your own: “or “You will brush your teeth by yourself today.” When a child meets these small goals, it gives pride and increases confidence.
5) Daily Life Confidence Building
It should not only arise from a few occasions, even rare ones, but build from daily habits.
- Encourage the child to greet others with “Namaste” or “Thank you”.
- Let him make smaller decisions in games, choose which outfit he wants on, or which toy he wants to play with.
- After daily night time conversation with him, ask, “What did you like best about today?” thus teaching that expressing feelings should come naturally.
6. Time and Patience
It is important to remember that confidence doesn’t build overnight; it requires a lot of patience and consistent backing. Sometimes children behave sulkily, mess up their things, and withhold their feelings to learn. The more patient you are, the faster your child will grow in confidence.
Conclusion
Building self-confidence in toddlers is exactly that-not an acknowledgement-for everything the toddlers do, or even the encouragement one can give from their family. This is generally a holistic process, which includes protection, love, freedom, right examples, and interest-based support.
Remember well as, confidence is not arrogance, it is faith in oneself. True self-confidence develops when a child knows that he could learn from mistakes, try something new, or even complete some small task on his own.
It’s your love and patience, along with the proper guidance, that will set this child’s confidence. And this at the foundation will make his strong man throughout his life.
