Self-confidence helps a child grow into a responsible person capable
of making good decisions. By teaching your child the value of
self-confidence during the early formative stages of life, you are
shaping the future success and happiness of your child as a self-reliant
adult. It is an indeed an important value that begins at home.
Self Image
Self-confidence stems from having a good personal image of self. When
children look in a mirror and like what is seen, they will have a more
positive outlook on life. Children who are comfortable with themselves
get along with others more easily. They will also be more confident when
choosing the right solution to any problem they face.
Parents are a main source of self-worth for children. When parents
vigilantly approve their children's good actions and behavior, those
children will feel that they are worth loving. This feeling of love and
acceptance are the seeds of growing a healthy self-confidence. It is
important however, that parents do not go overboard with praise. This
will teach children to rely on external approval for their sense of
worth( and make them more susceptible to peer pressure). Parents need
to help children develop an inner sense of well being; e.g. ask your
child how it feels to do such a good job etc.
Early Nurturing
You can start teaching self-value as early as the infant stage. When a
child cries aloud, either from hunger or lack of attention, responding
quickly lets the child know that it's loved and is valuable. Imagine
having all your needs and wants attended to as soon as you think it.
You'll realize that you are being listened to, and therefore, feel
worthwhile.
Being prompt in responding to your baby's cues for attention will
help develop a strong sense of self. Of course, as the baby grows older,
your child will also need to learn how to adjust to when you are not
there. Being consistent with your parenting style is crucial. The
important thing is that your kid knows you are there when it's really
needed.
Some people feel that being too attentive to an infant or small child
will "spoil" them; this is completely untrue. Young children do not
have the cognitive awareness that is required for being "spoiled". It
is extremely important to meet a child's developmental needs (in this
case feeling safe and loved) and being attentive to your child's needs
will do it (note that this does not mean giving in to their demands for
toys or later bed times etc.).
Building Confidence
There are many ways to nurture your child's self-confidence. One of
the easiest is positive reinforcement. Whenever your child does
something good or accomplishes anything, give your hearty approval. A
child whose feats and victories are recognized forms a positive
self-image.
It is also very important that you congratulate your kid even when
they fail at something. Children must learn that there is value in
trying, and that losing is not being weak. This will enable them to
adjust for those times that they don't achieve their goals.
Allow your kids to voice their opinions. Knowing that what they think
counts, even when people don't agree with them, builds their
self-esteem.
Be proactive in making your children feel comfortable just being
themselves. Your consistent effort is necessary in teaching your child
to become self-confident.