Parenting is a very big and very important job. You’re the big person to your little person and you’re responsible for teaching and guiding your child to be resilient and independent. Overwhelmed yet? It’s important to build confidence in kids to help prepare them for the responsibilities that come with school, sports, and extracurricular activities, work, and life as a whole. Also, helping to build their self-esteem adds a lot to creating that wonderful independent child! Check out these 5 tips for fostering and building confidence in kids.

  1. Give them some BIG kid jobs. Giving children an opportunity to help out around the house, or get themselves ready for school, not only provides them with responsibility but also fosters their independence. Ensure that you are providing your child with enough time to complete their tasks, rushing them will only cause frustration and can be related to lower self-esteem.
  2. Teach them something new. Kids will naturally grow more independent as they grow older but it’s important for parents to teach their children the skills they need to get there! For young kids, teach them how to brush their teeth or hair independently, or get dressed on their own. For older kids, teach them how to prepare their own breakfast or lunch, or when they’re teenagers, how to drive a car (yikes!).
  3. Give praise – and provide SPF (Specific Positive Feedback). When your child completes a task, help raise their sense of accomplishment, self-esteem, and confidence with praise! This not only will encourage your child to complete more tasks and do more things on their own, they’ll also feel really good about it. If there is room for improvement provide your child with SPF, focusing on the positive, for example: “I love the way you wiped down the table after dinner! Next time, try using this cleaner so it can be even shinier!”
  4. Let go – and drop off. For some kids (and parents), separation can be difficult. From dropping your child off at a playdate, or sleep away camp, being away from parents helps to build and foster independence because children won’t have mom or dad to run to if they need something. Watch your kids’ self-confidence flourish when you let go.
  5. Try again. It’s important for kids to learn how to fail so they know how to get back up and try again. Remind them that you’ve done it too! When a child learns how to ride a bike, they might not get it on the first try, it’s important for parents to encourage children to get back up and continue working towards their goals. This will provide children with the confidence that they can get back up and accomplish it with some work!

Kid-focused activities like The Little Gym can be another great option to help kids build self-esteem, make new friends, and have fun. Contact us today to find out more about our programs!