Teaching Kids to Be More Self-Confident

[GarnetTigerMom]

Teaching Kids to Be More Self-Confident


Self-confidence is one of the hardest things to teach kids. Here's what my father taught me about self-confidence…

Teach kids to question conventional wisdom. There will always be people who say that something can't he done. Help kids identify the difference between those who have real wisdom and those who are just naysayers.

Emphasize that practical knowledge is just as important as learned knowledge. Knowledge is at the heart of self-confidence, especially for kids. If they know how to do something, they will be more confident in their abilities.

Hearing your stories builds self-confidence, especially when the stories demonstrate that you experienced the same types of issues your kids face. The key is to show in a colorful way how you handled them. If you survived, then they can, too.

Important: Make sure the stories illustrate a point and aren't told over and over again.

Persistence leads to success. One of the most difficult things for kids to learn is that it's fine to fail…and that when they do, they can get back up and try again. Children need to see that it's acceptable to stand up for what they believe—even when they're unsuccessful or their stance is unpopular.

Find out what your child is good at…and encourage it. Nothing breeds self-confidence better than success. In school, kids are required to take every subject—even those that are not their strengths. Those courses can cause frustration, especially when school struggles eat away at confidence and courage.

Key: Focus your encouragement on things your kids do well, and don't dwell on areas in which they fall short.


agree with this?

 

[pek1]

. . . agree with this?

On one condition do I agree: At any age, these are important, but especially this factor: NEVER, EVER, NEVER, EVER QUIT!

The most successful people have been fired or laid off from many jobs; seen and experienced nightmares in their lives; relationships sour and many other bad things. We all experience setbacks, but they are not permanent. If one is so down that they need professional help, that is something that needs to be done in a timely manner. Timely meaning that it is up to the individual person, not their friends, relatives or other know-it-all's. When they rebound and are soaring for the top, there's no stopping them!

Don't ever take "NO!" for an answer and don't allow people to put you down, no matter who they are. If they are friends, you need new ones and lose those who don't support you.

Only losers quit and I don't know of any losers here on alldeaf.com, only winners!

Another thing . . . never lose sight of your dreams, which means you don't tell anyone all of them, just the ones you want others to know.

 

[shel90]

Good thread! Very helpful too!

Good advice, Pek1!

 

[Maria]

I am self-confident. Make sure that the people don't take an advantage of you if, you are self-confident just for bein' a good person to do anythin' for them.... just because, they saw your weakness and will try to gain their power by usin' you. That's a

 

[GarnetTigerMom]

That the spirit, and I like to hear people think postivie talks instead of the negative way to go. But all of you speak great and how you view it. keep it coming. I love to hear more of your input.