| As a child grows in awareness, his developing self | | | | opportunities for self confidence as he is exposed to |
| confidence reflects his positive interactions with his | | | | fewer fearful situations. |
| environment and his growing trust in both others and | | | | Follow routines |
| himself. | | | | Regular, consistent, dependable routines encourage |
| Self confidence is about having a belief in our own | | | | confidence in everyday life. |
| abilities. | | | | Regular, safe exposure to new situations |
| It is the inner assurance that we can trust ourselves, | | | | Introduce your child to different and unfamiliar |
| be self reliant and have faith in our own choices and | | | | playground, walks, and people. Encourage him to |
| judgments. | | | | explore. Take part in different sports, musical activities, |
| This inner belief or self confidence is usually mirrored | | | | interests. |
| back to us through our interactions with others and so | | | | Explain, educate, talk, listen |
| our competence is further enforced. | | | | Communicate your feelings, hopes, fears and dreams. |
| Ideally, self confidence is best developed early in life | | | | Help your child to discuss his feelings with you rather |
| and maintained with awareness as we mature. | | | | than to push them down or away. Teach him to say "I |
| Early, positive, repetitive nurturing, provides the pattern | | | | feel sad, mad, happy, good, etc." |
| or blueprint for your child on which his sense of self | | | | Encourage, praise, comment, support, cheer on |
| confidence is formed. | | | | Every night tell your child something great that you |
| How to build self confidence in your child | | | | noticed about him that day. |
| Don't make comparisons | | | | "I really liked the way you helped your mother set the |
| Comparisons between children are odious at the best | | | | table, played with your sister, read your story, etc." |
| of times. A child can be quickly undermined if he feels | | | | Allow him to work with you as you cook, clean, garden |
| he is being compared with a sibling or friend. Self | | | | and do household chores. It is especially important for |
| acceptance is a large component of self confidence. | | | | fathers to remember to allow and encourage their |
| Try not to undermine his ability | | | | children to work alongside them. |
| Even in simple play, parents often unknowingly | | | | Play with your child a lot |
| undermine their children. Simply saying, "Here, let me do | | | | This sends the direct message to your child that he is |
| that for you," can be enough to squash a child's inner | | | | valued and loved. |
| confidence. Suggest instead, "Can you see another | | | | Give your child responsibilities |
| way you could try that?" | | | | Even very young children thrive on a position of |
| Encourage social interaction | | | | responsibility. They can fetch, put away, tidy, clean, |
| Regular contact with other children and their families is | | | | pack up. As they grow, write out chore charts for |
| a great way of developing self confidence in social | | | | your children. |
| situations. Remember to mirror for your child | | | | Hug your children often |
| confidence and ease with others. | | | | Warm, loving, family touch feeds self confidence. |
| Be consistent | | | | Encourage actions requiring confidence |
| A child with strong, familiar boundaries has more | | | | Show them how - don't do it for them. |