Ryan Editorial TeamThis article is written by Ritwika – Parent at Cambridge School, Kandivali (Branch of Ryan International Group) as part of our Guest Blogger Activity.
A confident child can cross any obstacle and be happy in life always!
I have two children; one is an introvert and the other an extrovert. I used to worry about my introvert child. I thought that because he interacted less or was less talkative, he might not be confident enough. But I was wrong. The basic nature of the child has got nothing to do with confidence. Even the most outgoing person can be under-confident from within!
Raising a confident child:
Imagine a situation where your toddler is trying to put on his T-shirt; he’s wearing it inside-out. What will you do?
Either you will immediately go and put it on correctly or you allow him to put it on in the wrong manner, appreciate his efforts, and then teach him the correct method. By following this method, you are helping your child build up his confidence.
Guidelines on raising a confident child, which might be useful:
- Let Them Be Themselves
- It’s Ok To Make Mistakes
- Trust Your Children
- Never Shout Or Abuse In Front Of Their Friends, Relatives Or Publicly
- Never Compare Them With Anyone
- Teach Them To Be Content
1. Let Them Be Themselves
Since the time a baby starts achieving milestones, let them learn on their own. Often parents fear that their baby might get hurt, but trust me, babies are the most resilient beings on earth! Have you seen the victorious smile on a baby’s face once he learns to roll over, walk, stand, or sit? That’s their confidence.
2. It’s Ok To Make Mistakes
When children commit mistakes, rectify them instead of rebuking. To err is human and we all make mistakes. Sometimes parents scold their kids and forbid them from doing the same stuff, thinking they might make a mistake again. Let them try it again; the next time they will do the task better. Your belief in them will instil confidence.
3. Trust Your Children
Encourage children to pursue unknown things; encourage him to take up challenges. Never demotivate him by saying, “You can’t do this!” Always say, “At least give it a shot, no matter what the outcome is!”. Your trust will encourage them to tackle whatever life throws at them, confidently.
4. Never Shout Or Abuse In Front Of Their Friends, Relatives Or Publicly
Have you lashed out at your child in public? Could it have been avoided or handled differently now that you think about it? Remember this affects their self-esteem and has a huge impact on their confidence. Always talk to him when at home, in a normal tone.
5. Never Compare Them With Anyone
“Look at him/her, she is so much better than you” or “Why can’t you be more like him/her?” – Children are tender and they do not take too well to such negative criticism. Comparing just causes self-doubt, while jealousy takes root in their tender minds. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Learn to appreciate the strengths and help them work towards their weaknesses, and accept your children the way they are!
6. Teach Them To Be Content
Sometimes peer pressure causes confidence issues in children. Constant comparison of looks, social status, money, belongings, etc. causes inferiority complex in the children. Teach your child to be happy with whatever they have. Always tell your child, “What you have, others might not have that.”
Every parent wants to raise a confident kid. A confident kid grows up into a confident individual who can face the world, talk to people, tackle any kind of situation, and be self-reliant.
To instil confidence in our children, we need to be confident as parents first. Children learn from us, so what we preach them should be implemented by us as well!
About the Guest Blogger
Ritwika Roy Mutsuddi – the mother of class 8 student studying in Cambridge School, is an International Holiday Expert by profession and Blogger by passion. While writing about children is something that she dearly loves, she also loves to share her parenting experiences that benefit her readers.
Ryan Idea Lab
