I was headed down the sidewalk when a pretty blonde with a welcoming smile got my attention, “Excuse me.” The blonde and her three friends were all leaning against the fence pointing to an unreachable object on the ground.
From where I was I couldn’t tell what it was. I left the sidewalk to move closer to the girl.
As I drew closer, the young girl repeated: “Excuse me, could you please help me pick up my necklace?”
I reached down picked up the purple beaded necklace. Nearly in unison all them immediately sounded a hearty, “Thank you” as I handed the young lady back her necklace. As I headed back onto the sidewalk, I was intrigued by the conversation that followed.
The blonde turned to her Sunday school teacher, proudly stating how she was able to get the man (yours truly) to pick up her necklace. Her teacher responded with praise for her efforts.
What can we do as parents to instill confidence in our children so they can interact with the grown-ups in their world?
The ticket to social and mental happiness in your little one is self-esteem. It can create an ideal foundation for the well-being of your child as well.
Therefore, it’s our responsibility as parents to instill confidence in our children so they can interact effectively with adults. Here’s a list of few effective tips you can follow to instill confidence in your little one.
1. Improve Your Self-Confidence
Before you can instill confidence in your little one, you will have to take steps to improve your self-confidence. Makes sense?
You can give what you don’t have yourself.
As a result, children tend to develop qualities based on the characteristics of their parents. Therefore, it’s essential to improve your self-confidence, if you wish to see the same in your children as well.
2. Be a Positive Mirror
Your child’s confidence doesn’t come from what they perceive about themselves. It comes from how other people view your child.
To accomplish this, you’ll have to reflect a positive image to your padawan. For example, you can tell that your child they’re fun to be with.
However, it’s important to be realistic when you become a confident mirror to get the best results. Realism means a balance between parental acceptance and teaching.
As a parent, it’s essential to accept your child for who they are as a person. Teaching, correcting, suggestions and giving advice is also an important part of parenting.
By overdoing it you run the risk of your child possibly beliving their parents disapprove of them self as a person rather than just their behaviors. When this occurs, children start to doubt themselves and may begin internalizing the false belief “I’m not okay” or “I’m okay only if I behave a particular way.”
3. Play with Your Child
Playing with your child can be considered as one of the most effective methods available for you to build confidence.
While playing, it’s a good idea to let your little one start the play.
In addition, while you’re playing you should make an effort to make your child feel special. While playing, your focus should focus only on your child.
This concentrated focus will help you to build your child’s confidence.
4. Call Your Child by Their Name
If you want to instill confidence in your youngster, it’s critical to call them by their name.
When calling your child’s name make sure you keep, eye contact as well add an affirming touch. These simple acts send a powerful message to your child know their importance to you.
Children with self-confidence more frequently address their peers and adults by name or title. Their self-worth allows them to be more direct in their communication with others.
5. Give Your Child Responsibilities
Last but not least, you should giving responsibilities to your child. By giving your child an age appropriate responsibility, they’ll learn how to complete the task by interacting with adults.
This can boost confidence and deliver a variety of useful life lessons to your little one.
Like a caring for a plant, to raise a confident child, a parent should
- Nurture what’s there.
- Structure a safe and healthy environment which allows them to thrive.
- Recognize and prevent further damage to the weak areas.
