Everyone who becomes a parent wants the best for his or her child. To raise a confident child is a common goal for most parents. Having confidence means that a person is not afraid to take decisions without the help and guidance of anyone else. Confidence enables individuals to be more flexible in different situations and more accepting to other people. In addition, the more confident people are, the less depressed or sad they are likely to be.
However, raising a confident child could be quite a challenge in today’s highly technological world. Children spend hours playing video games, chatting online or browsing the web. Unfortunately, that does not help building up communication or understanding skills. Therefore, parents should not leave their kids to be “babysitted” by the computer, gaming console or the TV. Instead, they should find the time for the following things:
Communication is important
Be open and available to have conversations with your children. Even if they are just toddlers, do not let silence stand between you. It may feel like a monologue at the beginning, but that will give results later. It will encourage your kids to use language with ease and confidence. Nevertheless, remember to eliminate all baby words from your vocabulary. Don’t worry that your children may not understand everything you say. They will learn it in time, but for that to happen you first need to expose them to the language of the adults. Do not stop communicating with your kids even when they get older because they will still need to practice their language skills. In all cases, connected child is easier to influence and navigate in the right direction.
Not only extroverts can be confident
Does your child seem a bit too silent, insular and shy? Well, this probably means that your kid is an introvert. But don’t assume that only extroverts can be confident in life. Introverts can also become independent and confident individuals if you gently encourage them to communicate and socialize more. However, avoid pushing your child into it. That will only make things worse. If the child says he or she doesn’t like to go to the theater, it is better to not push.
Encourage sport activities
Sport will help the physical development of your child and shape up not only his or her body, but also his or her behavior and understanding of discipline and team building. Also, people who practice sports are more active and healthier than those who don’t. Moreover, they tend to be happier. That is a big plus when it comes to confidence boost.
Dive into Creativity
More creative activities can also develop confidence in children. Sign your kids to drama classes or dance lessons. That will help them express themselves in new ways.
Reading habits
Reading helps accumulating more knowledge and understanding different views and aspect in life. If your children learn to read regularly, they will become more informed. As a result, they will be able to easily backup their arguments and opinion. In Dubai, most of the schools do not impose reading lists, but parents still have the option to do that by themselves at home.
Allow children to do responsible tasks
Don’t overprotect your kids. It is better if you give them some responsible task every now and then. For example, send them to do minor shopping, let them cook breakfast or vacumclean their rooms. As they grow older, you can give them more responsible jobs. Just don’t get too carried away and turn your children into slaves!
Efforts also count
Praising your kids’ achievements is one of the key strategies for helping them become more confident. Nevertheless, many parents forget that efforts are as important as achievements. If you do not show your children that you have noticed their efforts, you will easily discourage them to be better or even stop trying at some point.
Some independence
Telling your kids to do sports, train dancing, read books and be responsible may be perceived by children as things which limit their freedom. Therefore, don’t forget to allow them to be independent. For instance, if they want to participate in activities and classes of their own choice, let them. In that way they will learn to follow their own path in life and not that of someone else.
