Raising a confident and self-assured child is a top priority of every parent. Self-esteem and confidence are essential for children to develop into successful and fulfilled adults. Unfortunately, this can be easier said than done. The good news is that there are many strategies parents can use to help their children build self-esteem and confidence. From providing positive reinforcement to encouraging self-expression, the following 18 proven ways to help your child build self-esteem and confidence will help your child thrive.
Encourage your kids to try new activities and hobbies
This can be a great way to discover new talents and interests. Encourage them to try things that are outside of their comfort zone and not to be afraid of failure. Remind them that it's important to have fun and enjoy the process of trying new things.
Some examples of activities and hobbies that can be beneficial to try include:
Sports and physical activities such as dancing, martial arts, or yoga
Creative pursuits such as drawing, painting, or writing
Music or theater performances
Volunteer work or community service
Outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, or bird-watching
When encouraging someone to try new activities and hobbies, it's important to be supportive and non-judgmental. Remind them that it's okay not to be good at something right away, and that it's the act of trying and learning that is important. Encourage them to stick with something even if it is difficult, as this will help them to build resilience and determination.
It's also important to remember that everyone is different and what may interest one person may not interest another. So, it's important to give them the freedom to choose what they want to try, rather than forcing them into something.
Praise their efforts and accomplishments, big or small
Praising kids for their efforts and accomplishments, big or small, is an important way to build their confidence and self-esteem. Positive feedback and recognition can help children to feel valued and appreciated and can motivate them to continue working hard and striving for success.
When praising children, it's important to be specific and genuine. Instead of saying "good job," try to point out exactly what the child did well, such as "I really liked how you used different colors in your drawing" or "I could tell you worked really hard on your math homework." This helps children to understand what they did well and encourages them to continue doing it.
It's also important to praise children for their efforts, not just their accomplishments. Children may not always succeed in what they set out to do, but it's important to recognize the effort they put in and the progress they made. For example, "I noticed you practiced your piano for an hour today, that's a great effort!"
Praise children in a way that is appropriate for their age and development. For younger children, praise them for making an effort, following instructions, or showing kindness. For older children, praise them for taking the initiative, problem-solving, or leadership.
It's also important to remember that praise should be given in a balance with constructive criticism, so children can learn and improve.
Help them to set achievable goals and celebrate their progress!
Helping kids to set achievable goals and celebrating their progress is an important way to teach them the value of hard work and perseverance. Setting goals can give children a sense of direction and purpose and can help them to focus their efforts and stay motivated.
When helping kids to set goals, it's important to make sure that the goals are realistic and achievable. For example, if a child is just learning to ride a bike, it's not realistic to set a goal of riding a bike in a race within a month. However, a realistic goal for that child would be to learn to ride the bike without training wheels in a week.
It's also important to involve kids in the goal-setting process. Ask them what they want to accomplish and help them to develop a plan to achieve their goals. Encourage them to set short-term and long-term goals and remind them that progress takes time and hard work.
As children progress toward their goals, it's important to celebrate their accomplishments, big or small. Whether it's a child learning to tie their shoelaces or a teenager getting an A on a test, recognizing and celebrating their successes can help them to feel proud of their accomplishments and motivated to keep going.
Also, it's important to help children to learn from their mistakes and to not give up when they face obstacles. Encourage them to look at failure as a learning opportunity and to come up with a plan to overcome the challenges they face.
Provide them with opportunities for responsibility and independence!
Providing kids with opportunities for responsibility and independence is an important way to help them develop self-esteem and self-confidence. Giving kids responsibilities and allowing them to make decisions on their own can help them to learn the value of hard work and to understand the consequences of their actions.
One way to provide kids with opportunities for responsibility is to give them age-appropriate chores or tasks to complete. For example, a young child may be responsible for keeping their room clean, while an older child may be responsible for taking care of a family pet. As children get older, they can take on more responsibilities, such as cooking a meal or doing laundry.
Another way to provide kids with opportunities for independence is to give them choices and let them make decisions on their own. For example, giving them the choice of what clothes to wear or what book to read can help them to feel more in control of their own lives.
It's also important to provide children with opportunities to solve problems and make decisions on their own. This can be as simple as asking them what they would like to do for lunch or what game they would like to play. As children get older, you can give them more complex problems to solve, such as planning a family vacation or budgeting for a purchase.
It's important to remember to give them the necessary guidance and advice, but also to let them learn from their own experience. It's also important to give them the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them, so they can develop problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Show them that you believe in them and their abilities!
Showing kids that you believe in them, and their abilities is an important way to build their confidence and self-esteem. When children feel that their parents or caregivers believe in them, they are more likely to believe in themselves and their own abilities. This can help them to be more resilient in the face of challenges and to have a positive attitude toward learning and growing.
It's also important to remember that children can sense insincerity, so it's important to be genuine when you're praising and encouraging them. Also, it's important to not only praise them when they achieve something but also when they are working hard and showing effort.
Help them to develop positive self-talk and challenge negative thoughts!
Helping children to develop positive self-talk and challenge negative thoughts is an important way to promote healthy self-esteem and emotional well-being. Negative self-talk can be detrimental to children's mental and emotional health, as it can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and depression.
One way to help children develop positive self-talk is to encourage them to focus on the positive aspects of themselves and their abilities. This can include pointing out their strengths, accomplishments, and things they do well. It's also important to teach them to be kind and compassionate towards themselves and to avoid being overly critical or harsh.
Another way to help children challenge negative thoughts is to teach them to question their thoughts and to look for evidence to support or refute them. Encourage them to ask themselves if the thought is true, and whether there is any evidence to support it. This can help them to see things from a more balanced perspective, and to avoid getting caught up in negative thought patterns.
It's also important to teach children coping strategies to deal with negative thoughts and emotions, such as deep breathing, visualization, or physical exercise. These strategies can help them to relax and to focus their thoughts on something positive.
It's crucial to model positive self-talk and to challenge negative thoughts yourself, as children learn by watching and imitating the adults around them. Remember that children may need help and guidance in learning to control their thoughts and that it may take time and practice for them to develop positive self-talk and challenge negative thoughts.
Encourage them to express their feelings and to work through their problems!
Encouraging children to express their feelings and work through their problems is an important aspect of helping them develop healthy emotional and social skills. When children are able to express their emotions and work through their problems, they are better able to understand and manage their emotions, build resilience, and develop strong relationships with others.
To encourage your kids to express their feelings, you can create a safe and supportive environment where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions. This can include actively listening to them when they talk, acknowledging and valuing their feelings, and showing empathy and understanding. You can also provide opportunities for them to express themselves in different ways, such as through art, writing, or talking with a therapist or counselor.
Helping children work through their problems is also an important part of encouraging emotional expression. This can involve teaching problem-solving skills, such as brainstorming solutions and considering different perspectives. You can also model positive coping strategies and help children find healthy ways to manage stress and difficult emotions. Additionally, encouraging children to take responsibility for their actions and encouraging them to find ways to make amends when they have made a mistake can be great ways to help them develop problem-solving skills.
Help them to learn how to make decisions and take responsibility for their actions!
Helping kids learn to make decisions and take responsibility for their actions is an important aspect of their development. Making decisions and taking responsibility for their actions can help children develop important skills such as independence, self-confidence, and self-esteem.
To help kids learn how to make decisions, you can start by giving them choices in simple matters such as what to wear or what to eat. As they grow older, you can gradually give them more autonomy in decision-making, such as allowing them to choose their own activities or friends. Encourage them to weigh the pros and cons of different options and consider the potential consequences of their choices. Teach them problem-solving skills like brainstorming solutions and considering different perspectives.
Taking responsibility for their actions is also an important part of helping kids learn how to make decisions. When children understand that their actions have consequences, they are more likely to think carefully about their choices. Encourage children to take responsibility for their actions by praising them when they do something well and holding them accountable when they make mistakes.
It's also important to teach children about empathy and how their actions can affect others. Encourage them to think about how their choices might impact others and to take responsibility for their actions by making amends when necessary.
Provide them with opportunities to practice assertiveness and stand up for themselves!
Providing children with opportunities to practice assertiveness and stand up for themselves can help them develop self-esteem and confidence in their abilities. Assertiveness is the ability to express one's own needs, wants, and opinions in a respectful and clear manner, and it is an important skill for children to learn as they navigate relationships and navigate the world.
To help your kids practice assertiveness, you can start by teaching them the importance of setting boundaries and being able to say "no" when they are uncomfortable or disagree with something. You can also teach them how to communicate their needs and wants in a clear and respectful way. Role-playing exercises can be a great way to give them a chance to practice assertiveness skills in a safe and controlled environment.
Encourage them to speak up for themselves in situations where they feel uncomfortable or unsupported. This might include standing up to bullying, expressing their opinion when they disagree with something, or asking for help when they need it. Teaching them to be assertive and to stand up for themselves will help them develop a sense of self-worth, which is important for their overall well-being.
In addition, to assertiveness, it's important to also teach children empathy and how to understand others' perspectives. This can help them be a more effective communicator and able to negotiate with others in a more respectful way.
Help them to develop a sense of humor and to laugh at themselves!
Helping kids develop a sense of humor and learn to laugh at themselves is an important aspect of building self-esteem and resilience. Having a sense of humor can help children cope with stress and difficult situations, and it can also help them build stronger relationships with others. Laughing at oneself is also a great way to develop humility and perspective.
To help your kids develop a sense of humor, you can start by sharing funny stories, jokes, and videos with them. Encourage them to find the humor in everyday situations and to tell jokes or make silly faces. You can also model a positive attitude by laughing and being playful in your own interactions with them.
It's also important to teach children that it's okay to make mistakes and to not take themselves too seriously. Encourage them to laugh at their mistakes and to not be too hard on themselves when things don't go as planned. This can help them develop a more resilient mindset and be more comfortable with failure.
Incorporating humor into your daily interactions with your children can also help create a more relaxed and positive home environment. This can help to reduce stress and tension and promote healthy and positive emotional well-being.
Encourage them to be kind and compassionate to others!
Encouraging children to be kind and compassionate to others is an important aspect of building self-esteem and developing healthy emotional and social skills. Kindness and compassion can help children develop empathy, understand and relate to others, and build stronger relationships with others. Additionally, volunteering, helping others, and being kind to others can contribute to a sense of purpose and fulfillment, which can positively impact self-esteem.
To encourage your kids to be kind and compassionate, you can start by modeling kind and compassionate behavior yourself. Show them how to be considerate of others' feelings and needs, and how to be respectful and supportive in their interactions with others. Encourage them to think about how their actions might impact others and to take responsibility for their actions by making amends when necessary.
You can also provide opportunities for them to help others, such as volunteering at a local community organization, participating in a charity walk or run, or simply doing small acts of kindness for friends and family members. This can help children understand the importance of giving back and how their actions can make a positive impact on others.
In addition, you can encourage children to practice gratitude and appreciate the kindness of others. This can help them learn to be more compassionate and understanding of others' struggles and hardships.
Help them to develop healthy relationships with family and friends
Helping children develop healthy relationships with family and friends is an important aspect of building self-esteem and developing positive social and emotional skills. Strong and positive relationships can provide children with a sense of belonging, support, and validation, which can help boost their self-esteem and overall well-being. To help your kids develop healthy relationships with family and friends, you can start by modeling positive and healthy interactions with others. Show them how to communicate effectively, listen actively, and express empathy and understanding. You can also teach them important social skills such as making friends, sharing, taking turns, and resolving conflicts.
Encourage them to spend time with a variety of people and in different social settings, such as school, extracurricular activities, and community events. This can help them learn how to navigate different social situations and build a diverse network of relationships.
It's also important to teach children the importance of self-care and setting boundaries in relationships. Encourage them to speak up if they feel uncomfortable or unsupported in a relationship and to take the time to care for themselves emotionally, physically, and mentally.
In addition, fostering positive and open communication within the family can also help children to develop healthy relationships with others. Encourage them to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with family members, and set a good example by actively listening to them and valuing their opinions.
Help them to learn how to manage stress and to cope with difficult situations
Helping children learn how to manage stress and cope with difficult situations is an important aspect of building self-esteem and self-confidence. Being able to effectively manage stress and cope with difficult situations can help children develop resilience and self-awareness, and it can also improve their overall well-being.
To help your kids learn how to manage stress and cope with difficult situations, you can start by teaching them positive coping strategies such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and visualization. Encourage them to engage in physical activities, such as exercise, that can also help to reduce stress.
It's also important to teach children problem-solving skills, such as brainstorming solutions and considering different perspectives. Encourage them to take responsibility for their actions and to find ways to make amends when they have made a mistake.
In addition, teach them the importance of self-care and how to prioritize their emotional and physical well-being. Encourage them to take the time to relax and do things they enjoy, and also to seek support from family and friends when needed.
Another important aspect of managing stress is teaching children how to manage their thoughts and emotions. Encourage them to challenge negative thoughts and to focus on the present moment instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
Help them to develop a sense of self-worth and to value themselves.
Helping children develop a sense of self-worth and learn to value themselves is an important aspect of their overall well-being and self-esteem. A strong sense of self-worth can help children feel confident in their abilities, build resilience, and navigate relationships and challenges more effectively.
It's also important to teach children that mistakes are a natural and necessary part of learning and growing. Encourage them to take risks, and to not be too hard on themselves when things don't go as planned. Help them understand that failure is an opportunity to learn and improve, and not something to be ashamed of.
Another important aspect of developing a sense of self-worth is teaching children to value themselves and to set healthy boundaries. Encourage them to speak up when they feel uncomfortable or unsupported, and to take the time to care for their emotional, physical, and mental well-being.
In addition, providing positive reinforcement and validation of your child's thoughts, feelings and actions can also help them to develop a sense of self-worth. Show them that you value them and their unique strengths and abilities.
Help them to develop a sense of purpose and to feel connected to something bigger than themselves!
Helping children develop a sense of purpose and feel connected to something bigger than themselves is an important aspect of their overall well-being and can contribute to their self-esteem, motivation, and sense of fulfillment. Having a sense of purpose can give children a sense of direction and meaning, and help them understand their role in the world.
To help your kids develop a sense of purpose, you can start by encouraging them to explore their interests and passions. Encourage them to try new activities and experiences, and to pursue opportunities that align with their values and goals.
You can also help children understand their place in the world by teaching them about social issues, volunteering, and community service. This can help them understand the impact of their actions and learn how to make a positive difference in the world.
Encourage children to think about their long-term goals and dreams and help them create a plan to achieve them. This can help them understand the steps needed to reach their goals and feel motivated to work towards them.
Another way to help children develop a sense of purpose is by fostering a sense of gratitude and appreciation. Encourage children to reflect on the things they are thankful for and to express appreciation for the people and things that are important to them.
Help them to learn how to be resilient and to bounce back from setbacks
Helping children learn how to be resilient and to bounce back from setbacks is an important aspect of their overall well-being and can contribute to their self-esteem and self-confidence. Resilience is the ability to cope with and adapt to difficult situations and setbacks, and it is an important skill for children to develop as they navigate the challenges of life.
To help your kids learn how to be resilient, you can start by teaching them positive coping strategies such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and visualization. Encourage them to talk about their feelings and to seek support from family and friends when needed.
Another way to help children develop resilience is by teaching them to be adaptable and to view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Encourage them to try new things, even when they are afraid, and to not be too hard on themselves when things don't go as planned.
Fostering a growth mindset, where children understand that their abilities can be developed through effort and learning, also helps them to be more resilient when facing challenges.
In addition, it's important to provide positive reinforcement and validation of your child's thoughts, feelings, and actions when they display resilience. Show them that you recognize and appreciate their efforts and that you believe in their abilities.
Encourage them to be grateful and to appreciate what they have!
Encouraging children to be grateful and appreciate what they have is an important aspect of their overall well-being and can contribute to their self-esteem, happiness, and emotional well-being. Being grateful can help children focus on the positive aspects of their lives and develop a sense of contentment and fulfillment.
To encourage your child to be grateful, you can start by modeling gratitude yourself and expressing appreciation for the things you have. Encourage your child to express gratitude for the things they have, such as a roof over their head, food to eat, and people who care for them.
You can also create a gratitude ritual with your child, such as writing or talking about things they are thankful for each day or week. This can help them focus on the positive aspects of their lives and develop a sense of appreciation.
Encourage your child to practice empathy and understand others perspective. This can help them to appreciate the kindness of others and understand the struggles that others may be going through.
Help them to develop a sense of individuality and to be true to themselves.
Helping children develop a sense of individuality and to be true to themselves is an important aspect of their overall well-being and can contribute to their self-esteem, self-confidence, and emotional well-being. Having a strong sense of individuality can help children understand their unique strengths and abilities and feel comfortable expressing themselves.
To help your kids develop a sense of individuality, you can start by encouraging them to explore their interests and passions. Provide them with opportunities to try new activities and experiences, and to pursue opportunities that align with their values and goals. Encourage them to be creative and to express themselves in different ways, such as through art, writing, or music.
It's also important to teach children to think for themselves and to make their own decisions. Encourage them to speak up when they disagree with something, and to take responsibility for their actions.
It's important to respect and validate your child's thoughts, feelings, and opinions, even when they differ from your own. Show them that you value them as an individual and that you respect their unique perspectives.
It's important to remember that building self-esteem is a lifelong process, and it is not something that can be accomplished overnight. It takes time, patience, and consistent effort. The key is to create a supportive and encouraging environment for your child where they feel valued and respected, and where they can develop the skills and confidence, they need to be successful.
Disclaimer: We are not medical doctors or professionals, nor do we have any medical or scientific training, education, or experience. Any claims or representations are based purely on our common life experiences and/or research. You should always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions relating to your health.