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Growing Confidence
Silvana Clark Answers Questions About Her New Book
Parent-Tested Ways to Grow Your Child's Confidence
If you see your child's block tower beginning to fall, resist the temptation to warn him. He'll find out soon enough how high the blocks can be stacked. Then, as he tries again, he's motivated on his own to build a sturdy tower.
Self-confident children feel good about who they are because they have a realistic image about themselves. They've learned to make choices, have an optimistic attitude and are willing to try new things.
Q: What are specific tips that parents can use daily to help their children develop self-confidence?
SC: One: Ask their opinions on current events or a situation at work. Listen to their answers. Two: Seek opportunities to show kindness to others. Ask them to write a letter to a distant relative or volunteer to help at a Special Olympics event. Three: Let your children see you making responsible decisions. Show them how you make a pro and con list. Four: Develop a sense of humor. When minor irritations happen, let your child see the light-hearted side of the situation. Five: Speak in positive terms to your children. "Good effort." "You read a lot of books for that report." "You must be proud of the way you stood in front of the school for your trumpet solo."
