There are many ways to help a child gain the confidence to function well in today’s society. They need to be able to stand up for themselves, speak up and say what’s on their mind, and most importantly, they need to be able to ask for help when they need it. It is all about self worth. Everyone knows it is important, but what about the ways through which they can help them from an early age?
Effective parenting is considered one of the essential components of child development, through which a child’s potential can be enhanced. The aim of effective parenting is to prepare a child to meet the challenges of life positively and competitively.
Studies reveal that effective parenting gives the child a sense of security and confidence. Children in our society are hardly given any opportunity to discover and enhance their potential and creativity. Eventually, their quality of life diminishes as they grow older. Moreover, it is seen that children’s wishes and needs are not given due importance. Therefore, children grow up with low self-esteem and insecurity. It must be kept in mind that a child is, after all, a human being, therefore one should respect his/her needs and wishes.
Pay attention to your kids — their day is as important to them as yours is to you; whether it be preschool, high school or a weekend job. Take time out to listen to them, show them that what they have to say is important and interesting. They may just be encouraged enough to believe that they have something worthwhile to contribute to the world. Parental dialogue or appreciation plays a vital role in developing confidence. Rewarding them with praise, a hug and a sweet smile enhances their self-respect. Studies have shown that stories heard from parents, teachers and grandparents have a long-lasting effect on the child’s personality, and this becomes a part of their conscience. Thus, bedtime stories are considered a key to moral development. In addition, children develop listening skills through this strategy.
Carrying out different tasks and delegating different responsibility would be another element that helps to maximize a child’s potential. It is wise to give a child simple tasks at an early age and rewards for completing these tasks. This will give a child a sense of pride. Helping a child do things builds a sense of responsibly. For instance, most children around the age of two enjoy doing things that their parents usually do around the house. Your child may wish to assist in setting the dinner table. If you (as a parent) say you are pleased when they help, it will encourage further attempts to help. On the contrary, if you discourage, ignore a child or be critical of his/her ability to set the table, you may decrease the child’s motivation to help. Ultimately, it is of the utmost importance that you, as a parent, demonstrate a sense of responsibility and follow it through consistently.
One thing that you can definitely do to help them along with their confidence is to encourage them. Too often parents will point out negative traits and fail to show any appreciation towards their positive counterparts. Children don’t know if you don’t speak up! Don’t leave it until you see something wrong, comment on how nicely they did a chore and how much they helped you out. Are they doing well at school, a job or did they treat someone nicely? Did a younger child remember to use some manners? Tell them so and they will feel appreciated and validated. This will give them the confidence to continue along the same path. If all they hear are complaints, pretty soon they will start to feel like it applies to everything they do. When it comes down to it, everyone likes and needs to feel appreciated and valued. If your child feels this way from the beginning, they will not have any need to go out and search for this validation. They will have the confidence they need to excel.
If your child exhibits socially unacceptable behaviour, avoid yelling or labelling negative remarks in front of people. Correct your child in private and talk calmly. That should resolve the issue and the result can be surprisingly positive on the child’s personality. Always listen carefully to what the child says and most particularly what they don’t say, and respect their ideas. Don’t snub or make fun of the child even if you consider the idea to be absurd or illogical. Let them explore themselves without unnecessary restrictions. Last but not the least, educate your child to love God. It can be his strength and light when all else fails.
There are many ways to help a child gain the confidence to function well in today’s society. They need to be able to stand up for themselves, speak up and say what’s on their mind, and most importantly, they need to be able to ask for help when they need it. It is all about self worth. Everyone knows it is important, but what about the ways through which they can help them from an early age?
