5 Tips for Boosting Your Child's Self Confidence

As parents and teachers, we often see children who are full of life and exuberance suddenly lose their spark during the onset of puberty and even prepuberty. They become self-conscious, unsure of themselves, and reluctant to speak out in class or engage in activities they previously enjoyed. While it's normal for kids to experience a dip in confidence during this stage of life, the emotional struggles can be frustrating for parents and harmful for their child's development. However, as parents, there are ways to boost your child's confidence during this delicate time in their lives. Here are five simple tips to help your child regain their confidence and thrive!

Praise effort, not results- Celebrate the effort, not just the outcome. If your child has put in effort, let them know how proud you are of them, regardless of the outcome. Praising and acknowledging their hard work helps them learn to be proud of their efforts and encourages them to try their best in the future.

Encourage exploration- During the prepubescent years, kids are more open to trying new things. It's a perfect time to encourage them to take up a new hobby, try out for a different sports team or join a club. When they venture out of their comfort zone, it helps them build their confidence.

Set achievable goals- Small wins can help build great confidence. Encourage your child to set some achievable goals for themselves, such as doing well on a test or trying out for a school choir. Celebrate each success with them and help them set new goals as you go along.

Use positive self-talk- Negative self-talk can impact your child's self-esteem. Provide positive reinforcement to your child and encourage them to do the same with themselves. Encourage them to replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations, such as "I can do this!" or "I am strong and capable."

Encourage independence- It's vital to provide your child with opportunities to make their own decisions, even if you don't always agree with their choices. This provides your child with an opportunity to learn from their mistakes and grow into a confident adult. Give them some space to learn from their mistakes and support them as they grow into their own person.

Raising a child to be self-assured takes time and consistency. It's essential as a parent to be present to listen and to provide support to help them build their self-esteem. These five tips can provide your child with the right F.O.C.U.S (Focus, Opportunity, Confidence, Understanding, and Self-belief) to tackle life's challenges with confidence. Remember, to believe in your child, and help them believe in themselves!