Imagine our children being self-confident. Imagine them being children who trust their own judgment, abilities and qualities.

Dr. Albert Bandura, famous child psychologist, describes self-confidence as “self-efficacy” and he believes that it can have an impact on a person’s motivation, actions and mood.

What Does Self-Confidence Do For Children?

Using the description above you can see how self-confidence boosts school performance in children, which helps instill a ‘try again’ mentality. It fuels optimism, which helps create hopefulness. Self-confidence increases a child’s belief that they can achieve their goals.

According to Dr. Bandura, the path to self-efficacy includes social modeling, positive reinforcement, mastery experiences and positive attitude.

That means that you can play a significant role in boosting your child’s self-confidence.

How to build healthy self-confidence in your child:

1. Social modeling is acting how you want your children to act.

This is a powerful force in shaping children’s identities.  Be a good role model for your children by practicing self-confidence in your own abilities, as well as your child’s abilities.

Tell your child personal stories of how you got through difficult times. In addition, share life stories of well known people who failed many times and kept trying.

2.  Positive reinforcement are words of encouragement from people you trust or admire.

Provide your child with the right message that they can rise to the occasion, they have the skills to succeed and they can manage a tough situation. Another example is to encourage your child’s plan or dreams.

More importantly, praise your child based on effort, not outcome, when they are willing to try something new or attempt a difficult task.

3.  Mastery experience refers to performing a task successfully and attributing the success to effort.

Teach your child the value of hard work and practice. Encourage your child to become really good at something (a sport, hobby, game, or any enjoyable task) and help them find this by identifying their strengths.

Maintain high and realistic expectations for your child. Furthermore, extend trust to your children by giving them a chore or responsibility within reason, based on their age and skill level.

4.  Positive attitude is a cornerstone of confidence.

Research shows that a good mood actually builds perceptions of self-confidence. Positivity also helps your child see more options when faced with a problem.

In addition, a positive attitude gives children the belief that they will cope and triumph, even when circumstances are difficult.

One of the most important things you can do for your child at any age is to build their self-confidence.

It may take practice because through these tasks we often realize our own insecurities. However, your child will benefit from your efforts for the rest of their life.

If you’re looking for support, please contact me to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation.