Ways to Help Your Children Develop Self Esteem and Confidence

Self-esteem and confidence are essential components in an individuals life towards independence and autonomy. What one deems as a affirming or a success is a lifelong endeavor, the foundation of it needs to be established in early childhood. Building self-esteem will allow the child to deal with difficult situations that they will encounter during their lifetime. Since parents have a major influence on us it is important for them to support and guide children in the navigation of the obstacles they will encounter. Praise, reassurance, curious question asking as well as empathy are vital to the development of confidence and self-esteem as well as coping skills.

Here are some practical tips that will help you encourage self-esteem and confidence in your child without trying hard:

• Step back – While you may be worried about your child failing or not doing good on a task, it is best to take a step back and not help them at every step. You need to be able to help your child become competent and not be dependent on others. Allow your child to take healthy risks and solve problems on their own. Once they are able to accomplished them, recognize their success.
• Praise– Genuine acknowledgement of accomplishments is affirming and builds confidence and self esteem. Nurturing the autonomy of the individual is belief in there ability to feel, think, choose, decide and respond independently.

• Assign small tasks around the house – Allow your children to help you around the house by giving them small tasks. This will encourage them to showcase their skills and also make them realize they are making a contribution and will feel appreciated by other family members.

• Allow them to pursue new interests – Encourage your children to take up new interests and pursue them. Set achievable goals on their particular interests so that when they achieve them, it will give them a sense of accomplishment that will boost their self-esteem.

Nurturing the autonomy of your child as well as modeling appropriate behavior will help them grow into responsible, competent and confident adults.