how to make sure our kids grow up confident

[tazdee]

hi i am tazdee and i ave children with additonal needs my little girl concerns me, not just with her learning needs but also with her lack of confidence . can any 1 help as i am my wits end she is so senstive and i know thats part of her conditon . but sometimes i worry that this is the the way that she will be when she grows up . can any 1 help.

Bumping for you (any response, however useless, moves your thread up to the top of the list where more people might see it).

A few thoughts - is the lack of confidence because of fear? Is it possible to talk to her about it in order to find out? Is it definitely a lack of confidence? I have sometimes been told by teachers that my children lacked confidence when really they just didn't like what they were being asked to do. Any way of helping her to do what she's lacking confidence to do by breaking the task down into more manageable pieces?

Yes, I know this is rather general waffle. Could you say what your daughter is lacking confidence with, and how the lack of confidence manifests itself? You might also get a better quality response if you post in the special needs topic area.

Hi, Cheeky question I know but what additional needs does she have. I know that my friends daughter has dispraxia and she has real confidence problems., They are currently being worked on and she is making progress. What specific areas does she lack confidence in? For instance if she lacks confidence in social siutations have you tried just exposing her to them a little at a time. Going to the corner shop where it is not just you and her and there will be others there but it is just a two minute visit. If we know more we might be able to advise more.

Give her tiny problems, help her over them and then let her feel how clever/brave/helpful/kind she was.

I read recently that to build confidence and self-esteem it helps to do things we are good at and enjoy. Take part in hobbies that we excel in. That kind of thing. Any use to you?

Hi
this sounds very much like my dd.
(25 months) she is bright as a button and very sheeky and funny when shes at home, but put her in a social group, shes a nightmare.
I have been going to a couple of music / movement classes since she was 6 months old, but its really hard getting her to join in.

If the teacher hands out instruments, teddies, stickers etc, my dd is always the last to get them, always at the back of the queue. sometimes i have to prod her to get her to walk up and pick up something.

Unfortunatly my dh (mr confindence) doesnt always help, dd is very much like me, since i was very unconfident as a child, so I try not to push her too much and let her find her own way. Dh though will say, oh for heavens sake dd go and get it, or "at last" !! really loudly, and last week said to her really in front of everyone, "put that tongue away" (as its always hanging out) as she was walking to choose a teddy.
I must admit, if it wasnt for the fact that their were 7 other mums and kids i would have decked him, as I felt embarressed enough, and I expect it made dd feel worse.

I did speak to him about it, but I dont think he understands the point, that some children are just sensitive and nothing will change them, until they grow up and become adult.

as for building self confidence, Im not sure of that either, just be there to help and guide them, praise them, and dont point out their errors in front of the whole class.
but teach them its ok to be the way they are.

I came accross a webpage, and a book i want to get, .

\link{http://www.hsperson.com/pages/child.htm\here is the link}