Build your child's confidence

One of the biggest gifts we can give our children is confidence. Throughout their early years, children are building their internal picture of how they view themselves; their self-esteem, self-efficacy and mindset are being shaped. What can we do to positively impact these important life skills?

Here are 10 ways we can help build our child’s confidence during their early years:

1. Ask your child for their help

"I need your help with this, can you help me count/sort/cut/fix/switch this on"

2. Challenge them

"Can you know do it in a different way"

3. Help them understand and name their emotions

"You seem (angry, sad, jealous...) where in your body to you feel it and can you describe it?"

4. Develop curiosity

"I wonder what might happen if ew (add one more, turn it upside down...)"

5. Provide opportunities for your child to take control & make decisions

"What shall we play with first at the playground"

"Which job shall we start with first"

6. Praise perseverance

"You kept trying, even when it didn't work the first time, well done"

7. Positively frame 'tricky' things

"This looks like a challenge! It's going to be fun"

8. Respect & trust your child's responses

"That's ok if you're feeling a little shy, you'll know when it feels right to come and say hello"

9. Encourage & develop independence

"I know you can do this on your own, I'm going to leave you to it but I'm here if you need help"

10. Help them see their progress

"Do you remember when you needed my help to (put your coat on/get dressed/cut your food...)and now look at you! You can do it all lon your own"