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Share your tips for boosting confidence in small children for a chance to win a SIGNED copy of THE LION INSIDE plus a £100 JOHN LEWIS VOUCHER!

210 replies

SorchaMumsnet · 11/03/2016 12:03

From the creator of the known and loved Bright Side lifestyle brand, Rachel Bright, and illustrator of Oi Frog!, Jim Field, comes a feel good rhyming story about one little mouse trying to make himself heard and discovering along the way that even the smallest of us can have the heart of a lion.

Perfect for fans of Giraffes Can't Dance, this stylish book from two contemporary stars really is something to shout about - it will make you laugh, cry and want to read it every bedtime.

Share your tips for boosting confidence in small children for a chance to win a signed copy of The Lion Inside plus a £100 John Lewis voucher!

This discussion is sponsored by Hachette and will close on 4 April when the winner will be posted on the thread.

Share your tips for boosting confidence in small children for a chance to win a SIGNED copy of THE LION INSIDE plus a £100 JOHN LEWIS VOUCHER!
OP posts:
FoxInABox · 14/03/2016 17:01

For my younger children, giving lots of genuine praise, and really encouraging them in what they are doing- being hands on with them, on the floor playing and exclaiming at how well they have done something always gets the biggest smiles. My older DD 8 likes a bit more practical praise- going into the details of things she has done, and also letting her gain more independence and praising the results- even for something as simple as making herself a sandwich.

hermancakedestroyer · 14/03/2016 16:56

I think with small children it important to notice the little things that they do. Listen to them when they talk and share their stories, laugh with them when they are happy and empathise when things get tough. Tell them you can sort anything out for them no matter how big or small it may be. Remember that everything is relative and that a small problem to you may be huge to them.

PiaMaria79 · 14/03/2016 16:48

We have always encouraged our little ones to tell us or show when they've done something they're proud of, we don't punish or shout from failure but take it as a valiant try and something the kids can learn from. We root for them and are always there to praise x

shydaylily · 14/03/2016 15:32

lots of saying well done you did that on your own, saying you cleaver person and taking an interest in what they are say and help them with ideas they can do.

Chelsea26 · 14/03/2016 12:35

Lots of encouragment while they are learning to do something and then as soon as they can do something stop doing it for them. Yes it takes longer and is messier but it means they become capable and practise does make perfect.

ditsygal · 14/03/2016 10:28

Loads of praise for everything they do well, or when they try something new. Praise the effort they put into everything rather then focusing on the end result.

Also encoraging them to praise and cheer for other children to show how we can celebrate everyones achievements, not making it competitive.

Allow them to help with things around the house, so they feel proud of being treated with respect and letting them know they make a positive contribution to the household.

LuckyBluie · 14/03/2016 09:25

Lots and lots of praise and rewards Smile

lollydollylove · 14/03/2016 02:44

Harnessing their strengths and helping them achieve goals, whether it's through sport, dancing or writing. When a child understands they don't have to be the best at everything they do, they can relax and enjoy being a child. There's too much pressure placed on kids these days and by not adding to it you will see their confidence increase tenfold.

princesssmitheee · 14/03/2016 00:07

Lots of praise for helping me around the house and little treats x

compy99 · 13/03/2016 21:34

lots and lots of praise and encouragement even in the smallest of things, praise hopefully leads to pride and confidence.

pfcpompeysarah · 13/03/2016 21:29

I think its important to treat children in a positive, respectful way, praising them on their achievements and rewarding them on their successes.

lemonymelanie · 13/03/2016 21:12

Actively listen to them and give lots of cuddles

pinklady123456 · 13/03/2016 21:04

Praise praise and more praise. Also seeing others of a similar age do things helps

Cailin7 · 13/03/2016 20:46

Encouragement and praise and never criticise.

JoJoBaldwin · 13/03/2016 20:42

Give them plenty of choice-points through the day, this makes them feel heard and like they have some say in their lives.

annarack99 · 13/03/2016 20:24

praise and positivity to encourage and reward good behaviour

littleme96 · 13/03/2016 20:10

Listening and talking is very important. Listening to their concerns, their achievements and their thoughts. Talking and reassuring them about things they are worried about, sharing their excitement and enthusiasm and letting them know that everybody feels worried/scared/confused sometimes.

Enabling them to make their own choices and feel listened to when they make them. Let them know it's okay to have their own opinion and that whilst this might differ from someone else's it is still equally as valid.

Praising them for things they do and encouraging them to try new things and give it a go and letting them know you'll love them regardless of how it works out.

catgirl2 · 13/03/2016 19:59

Truly listening and taking them seriously.

mave · 13/03/2016 19:42

Praise and positive parenting, no labels and lots of love, hugs and kisses!

AtSea1979 · 13/03/2016 19:27

Lots of praise, smiles, and make time for them. Every evening we have snuggles and story time. Where we all snuggle up, chat about our day, share a book together. I tell them why I'm proud of them that day and a tuck them up on a positive note. No bedtime battles as its routine for them and they know their boundaries so can be confident within them.

forkhandles4candles · 13/03/2016 19:23

Take them everywhere and expose them to all manner of things. Never push them but show them it is good to be curious about the world.

MaisonWhite · 13/03/2016 19:18

I'm all for praising to give confidence but be careful in giving too much praise! When teaching my daughter to use the potty we praised her for reading the related books but most of all praised her when she achieved our goal. Job done...so to speak but she got rather attached to her achievements! We found her one day patting a Teatowel on her shoulder...low and behold there was a little treasure wrapped up inside!

emmamed123 · 13/03/2016 19:09

give the child lots of encouragement and help if they get something wrong. try and explain why its wrong and tell them the right way.

carolacr · 13/03/2016 19:08

You can have such interesting conversations with small children, so my advice is to Listen and give them as much time as you can and praise them often.

pennwood · 13/03/2016 18:51

Always remember to praise when children get it wrong. It is important to focus on the fact they tried, & that they learn from it, so they have the confidence to try new things.

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