Most people know that self-confidence is the key to success. Whether it’s required for an interview, an exam, a presentation, or a performance, the feeling of whether you can or can’t do something will often influence the outcome. The team at Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam shares some parenting tips on ways to raise a confident child.
In an ever-changing world, having the confidence to experiment, learn and engage in tasks outside of your comfort zone is more important than ever before.
Understanding confidence
Confidence is influenced by two factors. The first is self-esteem, which is the act of liking yourself and believing that others like you as well. The second factor is self-efficacy or the belief in your capacity to do something.
Self-efficacy, in children as well as adults, is developed and enhanced when they have positive experiences that give a sense of accomplishment from successfully overcoming a challenge.
Some examples and opportunities that allow kids to grow in their self-efficacy:
- Passing a difficult test
- Making new friends on the first day of school
- Mastering a new piece of music
- Successfully navigating their way around by bicycle
Recognising strengths and weaknesses
Building confidence in children so that they can then become confident young adults in society also means helping them recognise their strengths and weaknesses. Part of understanding what we’re good at is also understanding what you can improve and how to do that.
Additionally, it's important to keep in mind that challenge and change are a part of everyday life; children should be encouraged to recognise that they can be successful in whatever they choose to do with practice, patience and perseverance.
Five tips for parents
Confidence can be nurtured by parents and other adults. Here are some simple tips to develop your child’s confidence:
1. Be accessible
Spend time with your kids. Engaging in play or dialogue can help a child to develop social confidence, especially when it comes to interacting with others. Having adult conversations and reading to your child can also help them feel more valued and thus more confident.
2. Give praise
Affirmation is so important, but don’t just praise a child’s achievements. Praise the process and effort too. For example, you can praise their efforts by saying, “Thanks for your honesty” or “I love how hard you worked on this”. By praising your child, you’re allowing them to foster a sense of pride and helping them to recognise self-worth.
3. Be a role model
If you want your children to be confident, it’s important to reflect the behaviour that you as a parent want them to embrace. You can set an example for your child by not shying away from challenges and talking about them in a positive light. Additionally, you can reframe things you may have complained about previously. Reassure your child that making mistakes is part of the learning process. They'll then be far more comfortable learning something new.
4. Give your child responsibility
A good way to encourage confidence and maturity is to give your child age-appropriate chores around the house. For instance, tidying toys, getting dressed, feeding or walking the dog, loading or unloading the dishwasher or doing the recycling.
5. Encouragement
Encourage your child to step outside of their comfort zone - whatever that may be - in small and achievable ways. As they begin to trust themselves in these situations, their confidence will inevitably grow.
Final thoughts
Your child will thrive if their confidence is developed and nurtured, both at school and at home. It is known that children learn best when they are happy and confident.
Register now for Nord Anglia's April 2023 Parent Education Presentations & Workshops.
Want your child to grow into a confident and resilient global citizen? Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam helps your child to gain skills to help change the world for the better. Contact them at [email protected] or at +31 (0)10 422 5351.