Lead by example
Dial back the criticism|Dial back the criticism
This isn't to say you should avoid saying anything negative—constructive criticism is important. But take a good look at your behavior and how you interact with your child, and notice if you are being overly critical or negative. Sometimes it's OK to let the little things go.
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This isn't to say you should avoid saying anything negative—constructive criticism is important. But take a good look at your behavior and how you interact with your child, and notice if you are being overly critical or negative. Sometimes it's OK to let the little things go.
Work alongside them|Work alongside them
Your child needs you in this journey. So take the time to work through their problems with them so they don't feel alone. Sometimes even just your presence will give them strength— sit with them while they work on their homework, send them a few encouraging words during the day.
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Your child needs you in this journey. So take the time to work through their problems with them so they don't feel alone. Sometimes even just your presence will give them strength— sit with them while they work on their homework, send them a few encouraging words during the day.
Go out into the world|Go out into the world
Going places, being in different and sometimes unfamiliar situations is a great confidence booster for anyone. Take your kid out to museums, the library, the theater—it's not only fun, but will help them work on social skills and nurture interest in the world around them.
Help them find role models
Sure, you're their most important role model, but they can have more than one. It's important to see others who are making a mark on the world, overcoming obstacles and just plain being content while navigating life. It can be a celebrity, a sports figure, a historical figure or even just someone you know.
Face failure
Bad things happen, and one of the most important skills in life is knowing how to deal with them. Don't deny failure or try to bury it—talk about it and work through it together. Getting a bad grade, not making it onto a team—these are things that will always happen and just putting on a smile or passing around blame does a disservice to your child and will make them ill-equipped to deal with adversity.
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Bad things happen, and one of the most important skills in life is knowing how to deal with them. Don't deny failure or try to bury it—talk about it and work through it together. Getting a bad grade, not making it onto a team—these are things that will always happen and just putting on a smile or passing around blame does a disservice to your child and will make them ill-equipped to deal with adversity.
Get them involved in the arts|Get them involved in the arts
My kids got into theater by accident (music and/or theater were required in middle school), but it stuck and ended up being the best thing that ever happened to them. Performing, being in front of people and learning to work in a group has helped them build up their confidence tremendously—and led to them discovering their passions.
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My kids got into theater by accident (music and/or theater were required in middle school), but it stuck and ended up being the best thing that ever happened to them. Performing, being in front of people and learning to work in a group has helped them build up their confidence tremendously—and led to them discovering their passions.
