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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:
Terrifiedandregretful · 13/03/2016 08:49

Model confident behaviour. My parents showered me with praise and love but they were both crippled by lack of self confidence and I think my low self confidence was learned from them.
Also, let dc climb high climbing frames and run off and play without you (within reason obviously). I try not to say 'be careful' unless strictly necessary. Show them you trust in their abilities.

Mozarmstrong · 13/03/2016 08:41

Always a loving comment on all they try,do and complete. Mums praise is by far the best .

rhinosuze · 13/03/2016 08:37

Praising them when they try things and also making sure they absolutely know they are loved

janeyf1 · 13/03/2016 08:36

Encouragement from Grandma seems to be very effective at the moment

Bsummers · 13/03/2016 08:31

always be positive around them, give them lots of hugs and tell them something you love about them everyday.

hiddenmichelle · 13/03/2016 08:27

Lots of praise and let them know how hard you remember things as a child and that they are doing well if they are doing their best

glenka · 13/03/2016 08:19

Always encourage them to do the best they can and not to worry to much.

kerryv · 13/03/2016 08:13

Praise, and lots of smiles of encouragement.

nettie1xoxo · 13/03/2016 07:58

Positive reinforcement all the way.

AngelwingsPetlamb · 13/03/2016 07:51

Showing patience, love and understanding to your child is so important. Tell them you love them and carry out tasks together so they feel supported. Encourage social outings and friends. Encourage communication of all kinds with all ages of people but with you by their side. Be happy, have fun together and laugh.

jt75 · 13/03/2016 07:41

Plenty of attention and praise.

HitsAndMrs · 13/03/2016 06:35

We use sticker charts, once they reach ten stars they get rewarded with a special treat.

ThemisA · 13/03/2016 06:01

Praise and appreciation. Letting them know that you understand what they are feeling and think and giving them undivided attention without phones and other distractions. I also try to keep really calm and upbeat when a child is trying to learn a new skill and let them see me trying to do something new and show through example that most things take practice and we all struggle at some things and that I find competing with myself rather than others to be helpful.

LoulabellaForever · 13/03/2016 03:54

I find that sett your kids up with an individual task to accomplish, then praise, recognition and even reward when they complete it. Positive reinforcement I suppose you could call it. If your child's sporty, like my eldest, then let them try out some local clubs as they can win medals, trophies and be part of a team. If your kids are fully of energy and always showing off (like my drama queen youngest child!), then let them try out a local theatre school or amateur musical company. If your child is shy and not into anything outdoors or sporty (like my eldest daughter), encourage them in whatever they do enjoy doing. In my case it's arts and crafts. We make things together and my daughter has had her artwork recognised at school, being sent on gifted and talented days and online on things like PopJam, where she has won a daily challenge and been extremely proud of that!

Praise and encouragement, talking to them to let them know they can talk to you anytime and positive reinforcement with lots of love is the best way to boost any child (or adults!) confidence and self esteem. Celebrate their individuality and use any opportunity for praise, such as when they take the iniatibe to do something, or are kind to others. A big hug and a few words of praise can be all that's needed. :)

TyrannosaurusBex · 12/03/2016 23:53

My DDs know I love them, but I also tell them that I like them. I tell them what's so great about them.

ThomasRichard · 12/03/2016 22:58

Be interested in them. They are delighted with things that you might not find important at first, until you listen to what they have to say. They love it when you care about what they care about.

finova · 12/03/2016 22:57

I think teaching them that even if things are tricky -practise makes perfect- builds confidence.
We can't all be great at everything but with regular practice and small steps towards a goal it's amazing what you can achieve.
I think trusting those who teach them and feeling respected is vital- the unconditional positive regard.

Angelik · 12/03/2016 22:51

echoing all the comments here. just to add (with a ds aged 6 who is having a tough time at that monent) reminders that as well as loving him unconditionally I am on his side and will make sure he is heard (teachers, friends and family).

also think it's important that he learns to laugh at himself (leading by example). that not everything is critically important or so serious. it's ok to say I'm not enjoying this - fine, we'll again another day.

not everything is a competition. this bit is hard for lots of children it is and you can't monitor it when at school.

CopperPan · 12/03/2016 22:37

I like to take loads of photos of mine and put them on display around the house to remind them of things they've done and achieved. It's a lovely chance for visitors to ask about their activities and interests as well.

Boredworkingmum020 · 12/03/2016 22:17

Travel, let them try new things and meet new people. Let them check in at hotels, get the bill and order their own food. I reckon my 3 year old could check in navigate through security and sit himself on the plane and do his seatbelt up. He's so full of confidence after a big adventure knowing he's "done it"

Gazelda · 12/03/2016 20:08

Don't make the mistake I made. I always answered for DD. When she was asked how old she was, I'd chip in "oh, she's x, aren't you DD?". Or I'd order for her well beyond the point she was capable of making a selection from a menu and telling the wait staff her choice.

DD's fantastic reception teacher pointed out to me that I wasn't allowing DD's voice to grow. I've changed that now and it took a while for us both to adjust - she was so used to me speaking for her that she was too shy/nervous to do it herself. But we practice and encourage.

But apart from that, she knows that she can rely on me no matter what.

walafel · 12/03/2016 19:07

I agree with what's been said before about praise and love. I also think the praise has to be genuine and specific, so no saying they played really well if they didn't, but pointing out specific things that they did do well.

WowOoo · 12/03/2016 18:35

I agree that unconditional love, praising effort as well as achievements and a general positive attitude can help.

I think letting them know that it's OK to fail, you just keep on trying even though it can be tough.

Minetired · 12/03/2016 17:51

Echo all the positive messages. But for me you need to find the the thing they love.
Whether it's tap dancing, chess, model making, sport & encourage it. It will encourage them to engage with their peers. Because they love it they will train & practice, & see that it pays off. This will build their confidence.
It had with my DC's. Especially my DD who excels in football who is demand for both the girls & boys school team.

DinosaursRoar · 12/03/2016 17:32

Agree lots of praise, also trying to work out what's important to them and pay attention to it.

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