Confidence isn’t something children are simply born with—it’s a skill that grows with encouragement, experience, and support. A confident child is more likely to try new things, bounce back from failure, stand up for themselves, and develop strong, healthy relationships. As a parent or caregiver, you play a key role in helping your child build self-assurance. Here are five practical tips, shared by a nursery in East Molesey, on how to nurture your child’s confidence from the inside out.
1. Encourage Effort, Not Just Results
Praise is powerful—but it’s most effective when it focuses on effort rather than outcomes. When children understand that trying hard, learning from mistakes, and sticking with challenges are what truly matter, they’re more likely to develop a growth mindset.
Try saying:
“I’m proud of how hard you worked on that project,”
rather than, “You’re so smart.”
Why it works: Focusing on effort teaches children that their abilities can grow with time and persistence, which boosts both confidence and resilience.
2. Let Them Make Decisions
Giving children age-appropriate choices—what to wear, what game to play, or which book to read—helps them develop decision-making skills and trust in their own judgment.
Tip: Start with small, low-stakes decisions and increase responsibility as they grow older.
Why it works: Making choices builds independence and self-esteem and shows your child that their opinions are valued.
3. Help Them Embrace Mistakes
Fear of failure can crush confidence. Teach your child that making mistakes is a natural and necessary part of learning. Instead of jumping in to fix everything, guide them through the process of understanding what went wrong and what they can try next time.
Try saying:
“What can we learn from this?”
instead of, “It’s okay, I’ll do it for you.”
Why it works: When children see mistakes as opportunities, they become braver and more open to new challenges.
4. Celebrate Strengths and Passions
Every child has something they enjoy or excel at—whether it’s art, sport, music, building things, or being a great friend. Nurture these interests and acknowledge their unique qualities.
Tip: Give them opportunities to showcase their talents and explore new ones in a supportive environment.
Why it works: When children feel good at something, it builds pride and a sense of identity, which fuels confidence in other areas of life too.
5. Model Confidence and Positive Self-Talk
Children absorb how adults around them handle stress, setbacks, and self-doubt. Speak kindly about yourself, handle challenges with optimism, and use encouraging language.
Try this: Instead of saying, “I’m so bad at this,” try, “This is tricky, but I’ll figure it out.”
Why it works: Positive self-talk is contagious. By showing confidence in yourself, you help your child develop the same attitude.
Confidence doesn’t develop overnight, but with patience, consistency, and support, you can help your child grow into a self-assured, resilient individual. Celebrate their progress, stay present in their journey, and most importantly—remind them they are loved and capable just as they are.
