This is the second installment of How to Raise a Confident Child. In the first article, we discussed how it is important to improve your own self confidence as a parent, be positive, encourage their talents, start at home, and to know their friends. Today we have a few more helpful tips to get you started with raising a child who is confident, bold, and courageous!
Don’t label them
Children who have physical limitations do not need to be reminded of that fact. For example, a child who has a chronic condition such as asthma or a learning disorder should not be defined based on what that condition may be. Many children and even adults live life plagued by the limitations placed on them in childhood due to labeling.
Give them a job
Children thrive on structure and responsibility. What better way to boost your child’s self-confidence than by giving them tasks that they can accomplish and feel proud about? This can start very early with simple jobs around the house. You can have your toddler assist with gathering trash, helping with a younger siblings diaper changes, cleaning up their toys, helping check the mail, etc. As they get older, increase the level of difficulty. Have your older children start to learn to cook and help with grocery shopping.
Let them express their emotions
Some people read this suggestion and feel that it means the child should be allowed to throw tantrums all over the place. The opposite is certainly the case. You want to encourage your child to learn to express their emotions in a healthy, age appropriate manner. This will show your child that you are listening, accept their emotions, and respect them as an individual. This is not a license to be disobedient. If they are able to learn to effectively express themselves at a young age, this can translate positively into adulthood.
Parenting comes with so many challenges and things to learn. At several points in your day you may worry that you are falling short in an area or two. Just focus on doing your best to raise a child that knows what true love from a parent feels and looks like. In time, your child will grow into an adult full of confidence and love!
