Self-esteem and self-confidence is a topic I fear are not well emphasized in the lives of children. When there is a lack of confidence in oneself, it gets harder and harder to achieve anything as self-doubt creeps in till it conquers the mind. Achieving self-confidence can be difficult even in the lives of adults, not to talk of children. But since there are parents to guide them through, it makes it more accessible. Here are some few tips on how parents can raise the self-confidence and self-esteem of their children:
Success and persistence go hand-in-hand: Nobody wants ever to experience failure, some get lucky not to experience it all their life while some don’t. What happens when we do fail, do we give up or keep pushing? Giving up is the actual failure. Some of the greatest scientists, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, and many more failed on several counts on their attempt to create the greatest inventions in the world today. But what saw them through it all was persistence, and today their names can never be erased from the book of history. Therefore, we should teach our children that endurance has its reward.
Avoid over-praising: It is true that we need to encourage our children when they achieve great things by praising them and making them realize you are proud of them, but when it becomes excessive, it does more damage than good. No matter how well-intentioned, praising a kid excessively can make them over-confident and attention-seeking. And over-confidence is not an attitude we want in our children, as they begin to look down on others and feel they are always right.
Appreciate the little things they do: There are sometimes when our toddlers just feel like helping us, maybe helping with the dishes and clearing the house. If we will allow them or not, the fact that the thought came to their minds should be appreciated. These little things are what grows to become a big deal in their lives, so when we encourage them right from the minor things they do, then they will feel encouraged to do more.