Building Kid's Confidence
What do children need most to grow into healthy, successful adults? Self-confidence, say the experts.
What can parents do to bolster their children's self-confidence? Here are a few suggestions:
Accentuate the positive
Stop at least once a day to look for something you really like about your child, and then mention it to the youngster. "Most kids love to hear Mom and Dad bragging about them -- even if they won't admit it to their friends!" says Gerald Taylor, M.D., a child psychiatrist in Greensboro, NC.
Start early
Building a child's self-esteem starts from birth. The key is "unconditional love." If a child feels a parent's affection, confidence will develop naturally.
Respect your child's rights as an individual
Remember that kids deserve the same respectful treatment that you would automatically extend to other adults. Some examples: Don't interrupt your child when he or she is trying to tell you something. Don't "borrow" a child's belongings without asking, and never belittle your children in front of their peers.
