Kids learn through observation, so an effective way to show them how to build confidence is to display it as parents. This means you need to be self-aware and notice when you are showing your child anxious or nervous behaviors, or actively avoid situations. Even if you don’t feel confident on the inside, try your best to act self-assured when in front of your kids and put yourself in novel situations, so they learn through watching you how to react with confidence. 

You don’t have to be the ‘perfect parent’ and never show nervousness, just do your best to highlight confidence and allow them to have a positive role model in their life. 

Everyone slips up from time to time, and learning to suck at something is part of growing in confidence. However, do your best as their leader to acknowledge mistakes and then work through them as a team. Allow them to uncover the skills that can help them push through the fear of failure and keep trying. 

Sometimes confidence isn’t about being the best. It’s about being resilient and trying again, even when you feel like throwing in the towel and calling it a day. 

Confidence can also be situational. Ideally, you want your children to feel at ease and ready to tackle anything that comes their way, but this can come with time. So for now, focus on what they can do with confidence and what activities they thrive in and do more of them. 

You can also help build their confidence by putting them in new situations similar to their interests. For example, if your child is a keen actor, they may also benefit from classes in musical theatre where they can use their existing performing talent and learn new skills. 

Speaking of musical theatre, encouraging them to participate in the performing arts is an excellent way to build confidence! The classes are great for giving kids skills to allow them to communicate well, which can in turn, enable them to feel at ease conversing with adults and expressing their needs. 

If you think your child will benefit from performing arts classes get in contact with us today to discuss your options. 

Studies show that self-esteem can develop in children through the act of play, especially play that allows them to succeed at a task eventually and feel a sense of fulfillment. Therefore, encouraging playtime and active learning through doing and trial and error is essential for helping children acquire confidence within their abilities. 

As much as we should let kids be kids and explore play, giving them responsibilities and tasks to complete can help them feel a sense of accomplishment and improve their self-worth. Just ensure the task is age-appropriate, such as making their bed, helping with siblings, or pitching in with the cleaning after dinner. 

As Theodore Roosevelt famously said, ‘comparison is the thief of joy’, which is guaranteed to be the opposite effect that you want to have on your child. Part of feeling confident is being self-assured and attempting new problems and situations without feeling judged. Therefore, one of the worst things you can do is compare your less confident child to their more outgoing sibling or classmate. Leave no time for your child to doubt their abilities and instead focus on the positives and instill belief in them.  

As great as it is to put up their certificates and achievements on the fridge door, it’s also worth recognizing them for attempting something new, not just praising them for things they are good at. Confidence can grow by allowing them to feel positive emotions surrounding giving their best or attempting something new. 

At the end of the day, every child wants to feel loved and supported by their family. So do whatever you can to emphasize how loved and appreciated they are even when things seem to go belly up. Feeling like they have their parents behind them can help them grow into confident young adults. 

Lastly, get involved in their interests! Show up to their performances, cheer them on at their sports matches, or sit in on a few singing lessons. 

This goes for when they start a new hobby or ones they are already involved in. For example, if your child expresses interest in joining our performing arts school, schedule a tour for your family so you can meet the instructors before starting classes. 

For those of you based in the Washington DC Metro area, we can't wait to help your child grow their confidence through participating in the performing arts at our school in Reston, VA.  

Reach out to us today to discuss enrolling your children ages 4-18 in our school and help nurture their confidence through positive experiences and support.