How to Build Self-Confidence in Young Children

How to Build Self-Confidence in Young Children
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Your young child's self-confidence can increase his expectations of being accepted among his peers and help him to be optimistic about his abilities. According to Texas Children's Hospital, self-confidence can help your child to face new challenges, try new things and keep trying even if things are difficult. Even when your child is young, there are ways you can interact with him that will help build his self-confidence.

Step 1

Set realistic expectations and guidelines that align with your child's age, development and abilities. If you expect her to achieve and do things that are above her ability level, the pressure can diminish her self-confidence. On the other hand, if your expectations are too low, it can prevent her from developing skills, according to Oregon State University. In order to build her self-confidence, be sure you are familiar with her capabilities.

Step 2

Be responsive to his needs, opinions and actions. Respond with smiles and eye contact when he is talking to you or wants to show you something he has done. By being responsive and genuinely interested, you let him know that his thoughts and actions are important to you. And that helps build his self-confidence.

Step 3

Set up an enriched environment that promotes exploration. Keep safe things on low shelves so your young child can reach them easily, and give her access to toys and art supplies that she can use freely. This will help her gain practice in doing things for herself.

Step 4

Ask his opinion about things. For example, ask him for ideas about his outfits or what your family can eat for dinner. This shows him that his thoughts are valuable and his opinion is important.

Step 5

Praise her actions effectively. According to Scholastic Parents, if you praise too freely, praise can lose its positive effect. Instead, be specific while you praise. Recognize what she is doing instead of how well she is doing it. For example, notice how hard she is trying to put something away instead of how accurately she is accomplishing the task.

References

Article reviewed by Alison Gaynor Last updated on: Jul 21, 2010

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