5 ways to raise confident kids

Self-confidence is a necessity. If you are confident inside, you appear confident, charismatic and intelligent outside. Research says that self confidence may lead to success and happiness. Confidence is believing in yourself, and it is a skill that can be developed. In today’s post, I write about five simple ways to build and raise confident kids.

Background research

Confidence can be defined as a feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities. People with confidence are positive, aim high, set goals, and are more likely to be happy and successful. According to an article by Forbes the reason that so many people never fulfill their potential is not a lack of intelligence, opportunity or resources, but a lack of belief in themselves. Confidence is not based on your actual ability to succeed at a task but your belief in your ability to succeed. What an eye opener- belief and perception are everything!

According to positivepsychology.com, self-confidence brings about more happiness. This happiness comes from your success, as you take action to achieve your goals when you feel confident about your capabilities!

According to an article published by Princeton.edu, confidence in one’s abilities generally enhances motivation, making it a valuable asset for individuals.

Benefits of confidence

Confidence gives you the boost of following-

1. Belief in yourself leading to increased motivation

Confidence leads to motivation which helps you to keep going and not give up easily.

2. Higher Goal setting leading to improved success

Confidence helps you set goals, which in turn can lead to success as you reach your goals one step at a time and continue moving forward in life.

3. Success leads to happiness

Confidence leads to success which may in turn lead to happiness.

4. Increased self efficacy

Self confidence leads to believing in your abilities and doing well in all life situations.

5. Makes you more charismatic and attractive

Confidence radiates in the form of more charisma making you more likeable and attractive to others.

6. Makes you a leader in the room with the confidence of knowing more

Confidence is a total belief in yourself which may make you a leader and the center of attention.

7. Higher position or promotions at work due to the belief that you can do better

Self confidence can gain you a higher paying job through promotion or growth in work or professional life. It can also lead you to handle your personal life better and more efficiently.

8. Change in your mind set leading to more positivity in life

Confidence leads to positivity and inner peace in your life. Believing in yourself can make a huge impact in your outlook in life and in the journey you lead.

Confidence can be cultivated. As mentioned in one of my earlier posts about 6 traits to instill in kids, confidence can be taught to young kids. As parents I believe this is one of the many traits we need to instill in our kids. Read on to learn 5 simple ways to raise confident kids.

5 ways to build and raise confident kids

1. Let them make their own decisions

You can start as early as you can. Give your child opportunities to chose and make their own decisions. Don’t always tell them what to do but guide them so they have a say in deciding for themselves.

2. Listen more, talk less

This may sound simple but letting kids do the talking and problem-solving is a great way to help them build self – confidence. Talk less and try to listen more to what they are saying, thinking and doing without interruptions and giving them solutions.

3. Give them choices, let them explore

In another post about hobbies to pursue I wrote about how important it is for kids to explore things on their own. As simple as a hobby or an activity for them can be, involve them in the process. Explorations and choices leads to critical thinking and creativity, which in turns leads to improved confidence and grit.

4. Support them no matter what

As parents we need to let our kids know that we support them no matter what. They may make decisions and chose to do something wrong, but in the process may learn invaluable lessons of failures and still keep going. Kids whose parents stand with them every step of the way grow up to be more confident and sure about themselves. Encouragement and being there always may make all the difference.

5. Show them your unconditional love

Through your words or actions, always show your unconditional love. Share your love, joy and happiness with them when things are going great and also when things may not be going smoothly. Love is the basis of confidence for everyone, especially kids who look for parental approval.

In addition to the above 5, add on the below tips to help raise them confident and happy!

• Let them know that trying is more important than winning

Emphasize and believe that efforts count more than the result. Between a child born with higher intellect and a child who is hard working, encourage hard work more than intellect. Remember it is not only what you are born with, but also what you do with your abilities that can lead to confidence and eventually success.

• Count their efforts over outcome/ reward

In education sector, we want kids to pay attention to process as well as the product. Always emphasize efforts over the outcome. Emphasis on process over product leads to hard work, confidence and grit.

• Help them grow their faith

I believe that faith make a person stronger, bolder, and bigger with the confidence knowing that the supreme power is on your side. Start early and raise your kids with faith or belief you follow, they can always make their own choices when they grow up.

Wrap up

To summarize, confidence is very important skill for kids and adults alike. Self confidence can lead to higher success, happiness and more positivity due to the belief in yourself. Remember confidence is not based on your actual ability to succeed at a task but your belief in your ability to succeed. Believe and half the battle is won! In today’s post I wrote about 5 simple ways to raise confident kids. Listening more to them, letting them make their own decisions, showing them your unconditional love and support, and emphasizing efforts over abilities are all different ways to help your kids build and develop confidence.

Dear readers, we would love to hear from you. Do you think you have raised a confident kid? Were you confident growing up? I know I was not and this is a skill I learned over time and hence know that confidence can be cultivated. Do share your thoughts in the comments below or send an email to nishtha@dawnandhope.com

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