How to Instill Self-Confidence in Your Child that Will Last a Lifetime
By Tammy Mahan, a technical writer at TechnicalWriters.us
Children require confidence to get them through life. The most important thing that you can do for your child is to begin developing their self- confidence as early as you can. The confidence that your child has will affect their self-esteem in later years, a lack of self-esteem can prevent them from doing things that they would love to do. There are some things that you can do to ensure that your children have enough self-confidence to last a lifetime.
Allowing children to begin making their own decisions at an early age is the best thing that you can do for them. However, giving children freedom has to have a limit.
Start with small things such as giving options that allow them to choose between two items, or activities. Letting your child know that they have a say in something as simple as what they were or what you are making for dinner will let them feel as if they have some level of control over their life.
The most important part when your children begin making decisions is that you guide them by offering appropriate options. Little by little, they will become more independent which will help them develop self-confidence. You should make sure that you acknowledge the positive choices that your child makes. When you child makes a mess you notice and react negatively, but you also need to tell them how well they did when they make their beds or put their toys away voluntarily.
Take the time to notice the good things that your child does and praise them for doing them. Play games with your children, and be sure to positively reinforce their creativity. Let them guide you, so that they feel more in control of the situation. Do not attach labels to what your child has done; instead help them to learn appropriate behaviors. Show them how they should behave so they have confidence.
Age appropriate tasks can be assigned to your child that will help to increase not only self-confidence but help them to work toward being self- sufficient adults. Leave things that your child will need to complete the task low enough that your child can reach them. The things that you have your child do should be appropriate to their age level. The guidelines that you give your child should be clear so that they know what you expect from them. The steps should be broken down for them, if your child is old enough to read writing the steps down in order can make the task easier to accomplish.
When speaking to your child address them by name, and teach them how to address others by name. Always keep the lines of communication open with your child, this allows them to discuss things with you. Children will be more open to asking for help when they need it without fear that they will be put down when you allow them to speak openly and honestly with you. Children will be able to get suggestions from you, and then determine which choice is right for them.
It is not difficult to build your child’s self-confidence and ensure that it lasts them a lifetime. Start early with praising the good things they do, helping them correct the things that are wrong without making a big deal out of it and give them choices. Make sure that the lines of communication are open, tell them that they are smart, beautiful/handsome, and give them freedom. Guide them in the right direction, and let them take pleasure in the choices that they make by not over ruling them.
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