Raise a Confident Kid
©Judy Helm Wright https://judyhwright.com
When children have a good relationship with significant adults in their formative years, it will impact and enhance their entire life. When caring adults strive to make kids feel understood, valued and wanted they become confident and self-assured.
As confident kids feel supported and loved, they do well in school, social activities and community endeavors. They are happier and more secure and make those around them happier and more secure also.
Confident kids have developed responsiblity and courage. They are able to take safe risks and feel competent and loved.
Confident kids gain several reliable groups of friends and learn to work out differences and handle conflict and disappointment. As they mature and face the future with courage and self-esteem, we are blessed with a more peaceful home, community and world.
Here are Three Ways to Raise a Confident Kid
- See them as a capable human being. This message is one that we all want to hear from important and influential people in our lives. Telling a baby he is clever for rolling over, or a seven year old for zipping his jacket when it is cold outside are all messages that say “You are capable.” Success breeds success and when you have instilled a foundation of confidence in the ability of the child to problem solve, they will be more willing to try harder tasks.
- Catch them being competent. Everyone likes to be around competent people, especially those who can teach or share with other team members. When you witness your child succeed at a task, yet allow others to participate and take part in the victory, be sure to acknowledge the leadership attributes. While it is important to praise the specific mechanical or technical skill, he or she is developing “soft skills” of interpersonal relationships.
- Develop Responsibility and Safe Risk Taking. Rights matched with responsibility can encourage confident kids. As caring adults, you will want to give appropriate and increasing responsibility, such as doing chores and homework in a timely manner. As a child improves in his responsibility he will feel more comfortable in feeling competent and trust-worthy. All kids should be encouraged to take safe risks and to widen their arsenal of life skills and talents.
Self-Awareness Quiz
- As a child, I was encouraged to develop responsibility?
- I see myself as a competent adult in at least five areas. List them.
- In order to raise a confident kid, I recognize that developing a supportive relationship and giving kind guidance are important components.
If you have enjoyed this article and it has helped you to be reflective about your role as a parent or caring adult in the life of a confident kid, please leave a comment. You will also want to gain your free eBook on Using Encouraging Words at http://www.UseEncouragingWords.com You will be glad you did.
