How do you nurture self confidence in your child?

[lolaismyfavoriteandmybest]

I have just realised that dd, 3.3, validates everything she does by my gaining my attention and praise. she has no inner pleasure from learning and no self confidence.

how do I get her to do things because she wants to, not because she thinks it's what mummy wants?

[whomovedmychocolatecookie]

Wait six months and continue with the praise. Kids thrive on praise and do grow up confidence. This is just a stage

[tulipe]

Good read on the subject is 'the incredible years' by Carolyn Webster-Stratton, very practical on what to do to nurture self-confidence.

[joburg]

same problem here. but DD is soon 7 and no major signs of improving ... so not just a stage in our case i used to praise her a lot when she was 4-5 but read somewhere that, as they grow, you should becomke more selective with the praises and offer it only when they REALLY did something good or they will start loosing the trust in you and your praises. Does it make sense?
On the other hand i try to alway ask what SHE thinks about her work, etc, BEFORE i give her my oppinion, if SHE is proud of herself, before i declare myself proud .... so far, no real improvement, but hopefully .... in the next decade or so things will change
Anybody has other ideas? Would really need some!!!!!!