I looked at my 4-year-old girl, handing one shoe to me, while the other was on her foot, and it broke my heart..
Usually, when I hear those words, my instinct to help kicks in without even thinking, but recently she’s been asking for help with everything, even before trying to do anything on her own!
It’s not a matter of what she can and can’t do, it’s the confidence she has in herself that is lacking.
We all want our kids to have high self-esteem, be full of confidence, and be proud of themselves.
Even as adults, we understand the importance of self-confidence – it helps you achieve your goals. It allows you to cope with challenges and mistakes and be more open to your surroundings.
For kids, having those qualities can greatly impact various aspects of their lives – at school, with friends, and most importantly at home.
BUT HOW CAN WE, AS PARENTS, HELP INSTILL THESE QUALITIES IN OUR CHILDREN?
I immediately searched the internet for answers, and I found different ways, recommended by child development researchers, to increase self-confidence in your child.
Encourage your child to take care of themselves. Getting dressed, brushing their teeth, or arranging their backpack will foster their self-reliance and give them the feeling that they have control over their lives.
One idea that stood out was to sit with your child and prepare a list of things they can do on their own!
STOP DOING EVERYTHING FOR YOUR CHILD!
Show and explain to them how to do it first, then let them try it for themselves before you jump in. It’s important to be encouraging and non-judgmental.
They will potentially fail but encourage them to try again. It’s part of the learning process!
We are used to doing things for our kids, but we forget that kids can also do a lot for us!
Participating in household chores makes kids feel like an essential part of the family. Why not let them water the plants, wash the dishes, or dust off the books?
A Wise man once said – you have the right way and the easy way (it was Dumbledore BTW), letting your child practice what he/she already knows is the easy path, but kids need new experiences to develop different skill sets.
Making the kitchen accessible opens the door to new possibilities, allowing children to develop a new set of skills that will last them a lifetime.
And remember, kids can sense everything, so whatever method you choose to embrace, make sure your communication is supporting and loving. No judgment when they fail and be sure to praise them for trying new things.
P.S. if you want to check out this cool kids kitchen stool, click here
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