However, one of the most effective ways to boost your child’s confidence is through play. Play allows children to explore their abilities, take risks in a safe environment, and solve problems creatively. When they succeed, they feel a sense of accomplishment which is developmentally expected for toddlers and preschoolers. Even when things don’t go as planned, they learn resilience and that it’s okay to make mistakes.
Confidence and independence kind of go hand-in-hand, so encourage independence by giving your child small, achievable tasks. When children complete tasks on their own, like dressing themselves or helping set the table, it boosts their self-esteem. It’s important to set tasks that are just right for their developmental level—challenging enough to be interesting but not so hard that they become frustrated.
Lastly, a little positive self-talk goes a LONG way! Children learn by observing how we speak to ourselves. If you come across a problem that needs solving and say to yourself, “I can figure this out if I keep trying,” your child will likely adopt a similar approach.
By creating a supportive environment where your child feels loved, valued, and encouraged to try new things, you’re laying the groundwork for strong self-confidence.
