5 Tips for Building Self-Confidence in Your Child

Being a parent often comes with a lot of worries: Will they be happy? Will they be successful? Will they find fulfilling relationships? Will they stay healthy?

By guiding them and building their confidence, you can ensure your answer to both these questions is a resounding yes!

Confidence stems from how individuals perceive themselves. It’s shaped by their self-image within society, often grounded in their perceived abilities. Whether through significant accomplishments or small victories, this sense of worth is cultivated by their achievements, no matter the scale. By teaching your children what confidence is, they’ll not only survive but thrive!

So how can you help ensure they go through life with high self-confidence?

1. Guide Them in Setting Realistic Goals.

Accomplishing a goal can go a long way in raising your child’s self-confidence — the tactic is making sure your child is setting realistic goals. A good example of this is setting a goal with your child to read 50 books in one month. Though this is an excellent accomplishment, remind your child he or she still has to make time for school, clubs, family and friends! Help your child come up with a more reasonable number of books so he or she can accomplish this goal. Then celebrate this accomplishment!

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2. Nurture Independence in Your Child.

Children who achieve goals independently are fostering self-confidence. Resist the urge to hover or constantly instruct your child—instead, provide them with opportunities to problem-solve on their own. This approach will magnify their eventual successes, making them all the more gratifying.

3. Encourage Persistence.

Success isn’t always immediate, and it doesn’t happen all the time. Setbacks, criticisms, and failure are inevitable, but they can serve as valuable learning opportunities for your child. For instance, if your child joins the swim team and finishes last during practice races, they might feel discouraged and want to quit. It’s important to acknowledge their feelings while also encouraging them to view it as a chance to grow. Emphasize the importance of persistence and reassure them that improvement comes with continued effort.

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4. Model What You Want Your Child to Learn.

Your child is looking to you for direction, so one of the most helpful things you can do is model self-love and positive self-talk. Celebrate your accomplishments as a family, talk about the skills and efforts needed to achieve such accomplishments. Remember, your kids are always watching you and your behavior.

5. Encourage Your Child to Try the Unfamiliar.

Tackling an unfamiliar activity can certainly build a child’s self-confidence! Encourage your child to try new activities so that they may get used to stepping out of their comfort zones. Remind them that even adults can feel uncertain when trying new things, but the results can be wonderful!

If you’re looking for new activities for your child, consider one of our numerous exciting programs! From birthday parties and scout events to homeschool enrichment programs, we’re proud to offer a variety of fun and challenging projects that are specifically designed to enhance your child’s skills and knowledge.

Let your kids know the joy of overcoming their fears and discovering hidden talents — contact your local Engineering For Kids to learn more!