How to Foster Self-Confidence in Children
In early childhood, fostering self-confidence is very important. Therefore, the way to cultivate self-confidence in early childhood is something that parents need to know. Parents should not unintentionally undermine their child's self-confidence. As a result, the child may become a person with low self-esteem in their environment.
Self-confidence is essential for everyone. Self-confidence does not grow on its own, but is built from a young age. Here are some ways to foster self-confidence in early childhood.
Encouraging Children to Play with Other Children
Not only adults need to socialize, but young children also require socialization so that their self-confidence grows from an early age. As parents, you can invite your child to play with other children around the house or take them to a playground. This can help children get used to strangers and make them less awkward when meeting new people.
However, it is important to pay attention to the behavior of their friends when inviting children to play with others. Keep children away from friends who exhibit bad behavior. Some children may behave poorly when playing with strangers.
Praise Good Actions of the Child
Praising a child's actions is one way to foster self-confidence in children. Praise will make the child feel valued and confident. A child who is never praised will tend to feel inferior and find it difficult to appreciate others.
As parents, it is best not to underestimate the small things that young children do. Especially at that age, children are still learning new things. What may not seem significant to adults can be a big deal for a child. Just being able to do small things can make them feel happy.
Avoid Scolding Children in Public
Making mistakes is something that happens to anyone, even children. Parents must correct children who make mistakes so that it does not become a bad habit. However, as parents, it is advisable not to scold children in public or in front of other children, as it can diminish the child's self-confidence.
Choose the right time to advise the child. If possible, it is better to advise the child without anger. Because gentle advice will be more easily accepted by the child.
Give Children the Opportunity to Choose
In early childhood, most children do not have the opportunity to choose because parents usually make choices for them. From choosing clothes to wear, choosing food, toys, or other things.
Occasionally, you can invite the child to choose from several options. Explain that each choice has its own consequences. Let the child choose as long as it does not violate the values held by the family. By getting used to making their own choices, their self-confidence can be built. Not only that, but children can also learn to choose what is more important to select.
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For example, when choosing a toy. There are two options: a toy of the same type that they already have at home or a toy of a different type that they do not have at home. You can explain which option is more beneficial if they choose one of the toys. Then leave the decision to the child, which one they will choose. You can also ask why the child made that decision. Respect any choice the child makes, so they feel confident in their selection.
Author: Iskael
