Catering to your child’s confidence at a young age will help set him up for a lifetime of positive self-imagery. Neglecting a child’s self-esteem can result in a damaging and long-lasting negative view of himself. There are several ways in which you can instantly boost your child’s self-confidence which ultimately aids in his mental well-being and happiness.

Give Your Child Responsibilities

Giving your child responsibilities around the household will make her feel like a valuable member of the family. Additionally, she will feel a sense of accomplishment when she finishes a task. This will also help her grow into a productive, responsible adult.

Give Praise When It’s Appropriate

It’s important to note that too much praise can be destructive, creating inflated egos and ultimately hurting the child by causing him to overestimate his abilities. However, when you deservingly praise your child for his accomplishments, he feels pride in himself. It motivates him to keep up the good work.

Listen to Your Child

Show her that you value the things she has to say. Let her know that her opinions matter to you. This can greatly increase her sense of self-worth and potentially be one of the most important things you can do to raise her confidence. If she’s trying to speak with you while you’re sorting through the monthly bills, set the papers aside for a moment and have a meaningful conversation with your child. 

Teach Your Child Good Hygiene

Being hygenic and taking care of the body can instantly boost a child’s self-esteem. Teach him the importance of bathing regularly, wearing clean clothes, and caring for his teeth. According to the Forest Lawn Dental Centre, preventative care and regular dental appointments should be at the top of your priority list. Having great teeth that your child can show off will encourage him to keep smiling.

Allow Your Child to Make Decisions

This goes hand in hand with listening to what your child has to say. At the same time, make it clear that you are the main decision maker when it comes to more important things. For example, don’t force her to wear that pretty dress to her birthday party if she wants to wear jeans and a t-shirt. On the other hand, if she thinks it’s a great idea to eat chocolate cake for breakfast, don’t be afraid to hand her a bowl full of oatmeal instead. Allowing her to make certain decisions will help her develop confidence in herself and her choices.

Remind Your Child of Past Accomplishments

If your child seems to be losing confidence in himself, remind him of something he’s already accomplished. This is possibly the easiest way to instantly boost self-esteem when he’s having trouble believing in himself.