Developing positive self-esteem is important for every child, as it represents how much they value themselves and how important they believe their place in the world is. Encouraging a child’s confidence will not only help them feel comfortable in their own skin, but it will also help them navigate any challenge that may come their way, and allow them to reach their full potential and live a happy and successful life. Here are some specific ways you could support your child’s self-esteem:
Set a good example for your child
The behavior of parents can largely determine the level of their child’s confidence – how you act and handle everyday situations teaches your children how to do the same. Staying positive despite any setbacks you encounter will encourage your child to act the same way. If you are confident about the choices you make in your life, your child will be as well. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should put on a fake smile during bad days – just be honest and realistic, and your child will respect you for it. Only by reflecting a positive mirror image onto your children can they be able to see themselves in a better light.
Let them make their own decisions
Allowing your child to make their own decisions is an important part of raising their confidence, so take a step back from time to time and let them come to their own conclusions. It may seem difficult at times, but by letting your child make their own choices, they will learn how to cope with setbacks and they will appreciate success even more. In the long haul, it will also help them grow a thicker skin and accept life for all the challenges it presents. When your child knows you trust and respect their decisions, they will grow into a confident and well-rounded adult.
Encourage them to pursue their interests
Finding an extracurricular activity your child enjoys and excels at could help them discover their strengths and keep academic struggles in perspective. For example, if your child has a wonderful voice and loves to sing, find a choir they could join, or, if they enjoy playing sports, sign them up for a local football or basketball league. Another thing any child could start practicing, even if they don’t have any special talents, is learning a new language. As long as you find a good school with experienced teachers and an interesting study program, such as the accomplished Mulberry House, your child will be able to learn, grow and build their confidence in a supportive environment.
Provide clear, but not critical, feedback
It can be quite hard to talk to children about the things they need to get better at, but addressing these topics clearly could actually help your child develop confidence. The key is to talk to them about challenges in a way that motivates them to improve, without making them feel bad about themselves. Positive self-esteem comes from working hard towards completing a goal, so, instead of criticizing, try to offer your child a specific and achievable goal to work towards.
Praise your child’s approach and efforts
It is very important to praise your child, but the way you do it matters as well. Instead of focusing solely on the end result, commend the way your child went about solving the problem. By acknowledging the approach your child takes to tackling challenges, you’ll help them learn that they are capable of overcoming any obstacle. So, find ways to praise your child for working hard on the projects they do both for school and for fun, as specific and honest praise is the key to building positive self-esteem in children.
A positive self-image is the key to living a happy and successful life – by encouraging your child’s confidence, you are helping them grow into a strong and accomplished individual.
About the author:
Tracey Clayton is a full time mom of three girls. She’s passionate about fashion, home décor and healthy living. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live.”
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