21Mar
One of the most important things a young child can develop is genuine confidence in themselves. The more confident a child learns to become, generally, the more confident they’ll be when they are an adult and the more they will believe in themselves all throughout life.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at a few key ways you can help your preschool-aged child develop their confidence levels and improve their self-esteem overall.
#1 – Be a Positive Role Model
The more a young child respects a parent as a positive role model, the more they will likely copy the positive thoughts and actions of that parent. This will naturally lead to developing both good behaviour patterns and also building a child’s confidence levels.
Being a role model isn’t just about behaviour but also actions. Even things like not being lazy, getting out and doing those chores and feeling cheerful about everything you do. If a child constantly hears you constantly complaining about doing dishes or mowing the lawn, they will likely develop the same habit and view chores in a negative light. A parent that takes pride in everything they do will be teaching a young child a very valuable lesson, as well as setting an example that will boost a child’s confidence.
Related: What Are The Key Advantages of Early Education and Childcare?
#2 – Praise But Praise Wisely
In other words, praise needs to be genuine and somewhat earned. There’s little point in praising a child for something they haven’t done well. This won’t help them to learn or improve and any confidence they develop through false praise won’t be founded on anything real or solid. One day, that false confidence will get put to the test.
Constructive criticism is necessary at times, so long as it’s delivered in the most positive way possible. Simply putting a child down for failing at something isn’t going to do anyone any favours. It certainly won’t be confidence-building.
#3 – Teach Kids To Try New Things
If a child just keeps doing the same things over and over, they won’t grow. Sure, they will get better at whatever that activity is that they are doing, which is also positive, but to truly develop their confidence to another level, they need to try new things. Growth is what breeds self-confidence, along with mastering things they have already tried their hand at.
This is also a way to determine what your child is naturally good at, or even gifted at. Experimentation is the key, so always encourage a child to try different things, to see what really interests them and where their talents lie. If you discover your child does have a natural talent or gift for something, always encourage them to pursue it, no matter what it is.
Also Read: What Is An Early Learning Centre?
#4 – Learning Responsibility and Independence
The more kids learn to be responsible for various tasks, chores and decisions, the more independence they will naturally develop and this leads to an increase in genuine self-confidence.
Being given the task of doing chores around the house or yard, helping to prepare dinner and other mundane tasks, kids aren’t merely being told to do something, parents are actually placing more trust in the child. As children begin to understand this, either consciously or unconsciously, their confidence levels will grow as a result.
Being responsible, learning to become more independent and knowing that trust has been placed in them add to a child’s self-esteem.
#5 – Enrol Your Child In An Early Learning Centre
It’s a part of what early education centres are all about. Not only does your child have somewhere completely safe and secure to spend the day but they will also participate in a variety of activities that are designed to promote positive childhood development.
This includes building a child’s self-confidence levels through learning education basics, participating in physical activities that promote the strong development of growing bodies, learning how to socialise and interact with their peers and adults and numerous other fun and interactive activities and games.
If you want to improve your child’s self-confidence and have them develop positively in a well rounded way, consider enrolling them in an Endeavour Early Education Centre.
