Self-confidence comes from a sense of competence. This arises out of achievements. Encouraging words can develop this confidence. Here are 10 tips to help build self-confidence in your child:     

LOVE YOUR CHILD

• Unconditional love builds a strong foundation for confidence, your child needs to feel accepted and loved, beginning with family; extending to friends and schoolmates
• If you make a parenting mistake, hug your child and apologize    

GIVE PRAISE WHERE PRAISE IS DUE

• Children measure their worth by what you – the parent – thinks so be realistic in praise, and reassure your child that it’s OK not to be able to do everything perfectly 

HELP YOUR CHILD SET REALISTIC GOALS

• Guide your child to set realistic goals; if the goal is a stretch, set some short-term goals

MODEL SELF-LOVE AND POSITIVE SELF-TALK

• Model this behavior by rewarding yourself when you do well and explain to your child the skills, talents, and efforts you needed to achieve those accomplishments

TEACH RESILIENCE  

• Teach your kids not to give up; validate your child’s feelings when things don’t go well. Instead of saying, “Oh, just cheer up,” teach her to trust her feelings and feel comfortable sharing them   

INSTILL INDEPENDENCE AND ADVENTURE

• Set up situations where your child can do things for herself; encourage exploration, whether it’s a trip to a new park or new foods to expand your child’s horizons and build confidence

ENCOURAGE SPORTS OR OTHER PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

• Sports teach children that they can practice, improve, and achieve goals and teaches them how to stay fit and respect their bodies

SUPPORT THEIR PURSUIT OF A PASSION

• Respect and encourage your child’s interest and praise your child when they accomplish something in their budding pursuits

SET RULES AND BE CONSISTENT

• Set rules and enforce them consistently; you are the parent: whatever your household rules, be clear on what is important in your family

COACH RELATIONSHIP SKILLS

• As your child’s social circle expands, help her to see how her actions affect others, help her to maintain an inner core of confidence when someone else’s actions affect her
• As a parent, it’s not your job to “fix” every situation, but rather to teach your child the compassion, kindness and confidence needed to handle the ups and downs of relationships   

Source: workingmother.com (June 7, 2019)