How to Improve Self-Confidence in Your Children

Fostering healthy self-confidence in children is exceptionally difficult, particularly if they’ve been subjected to any form of verbal or physical abuse, bullying, or discrimination. If left untreated, kids with confidence problems have the potential to experience depression, difficulties with forming strong friendships, and an inability to pursue professional opportunities later on in life. That’s why it’s imperative for parents to understand the best ways to rectify this issue before it becomes worse. At Family Psychiatry and Therapy, it’s our goal to connect every parent with the knowledge and tools they need to raise happy, healthy, and self-sufficient children. Today we’ll be discussing a few simple techniques you can use to improve the self-confidence of your child.

1. Encourage optimism when your child complains or feels defeated.

Offering a healthy (and realistic) alternative to negative thinking will teach your child to look on the bright side and focus on ways to make their difficulties more manageable instead of wallowing in them. If your child fails a quiz or struggles with an assignment, don’t just sympathize with their problem. Offer constructive techniques and activities to address the issue. For example, you could try developing a new study system that rewards correct answers with snacks or privileges. The sooner you can get your child to start viewing failures as exciting opportunities for growth and improvement, the better they’ll become at handling disappointments and building their self-confidence.

2. Don’t coddle your child.

It’s incredibly easy for parents to fall into the trap of being overprotective of their children (especially when they’re already struggling with self-confidence), fussing over every scraped knee, complaint, or frown. Some mothers and fathers will even take on various chores and tasks (or even homework) under the false assumption that removing all risk and responsibility from the lives of their children is advisable. Recent studies have shown that overprotective parenting may have negative consequences for the psychosocial development of youth and children. To avoid this critical mistake, it’s important to establish a balance between protecting your kids and allowing them to make their own decisions and mistakes.

If your child lacks the self-confidence to choose where they want to eat, shop for toys, or buy new shoes, don’t immediately make the decision for them. Giving your kid the opportunity to make their own choices and see them through can do wonders for enhancing their confidence. The next time you want your child to make a decision, give them a list of three or four options and ask them to pick one. It’s OK if they struggle or hesitate to make the call at first. Just be patient and prepared to answer any questions they have about their available choices. This process will get easier and faster over time, but you’ll have to stick with it.

3. Support your child’s unique strengths.

Every kid has a strength or area of expertise. It might be sports, magic, cheetahs, chess, piano, or any other subject. As long as your child’s interest is productive, do everything you can to encourage it. Children with special skills or knowledge will take great pride in their expertise and feel enthusiastic about sharing it with their peers. If your kid is great at card tricks, talk to their teacher about letting them share this talent with classmates during lunch or free time. This is a great way to facilitate friendships and social interactions with other kids.

4. Consider professional counseling for your child.

Everyone can benefit from therapy. With the help of a qualified psychiatrist, your child can work through any stress, traumatic experiences, or mental health issues that might be inhibiting their ability to feel secure and confident. Family Psychology and Therapy offers affordable counseling sessions for children of all ages. Our expert practitioners can provide a wide variety of services, including:

• • Diagnosing ADHD, anxiety, depression and other difficulties that affect learning

• • Outbursts of anger and tantrums

• • Diagnosing and treating behavioral disorders (i.e., Oppositional Defiant and Conduct Disorder)

• • Helping parent with different styles co-parent and support one another

• • Teaching social skills

• • Intervening to address high-functioning autism spectrum symptoms

Using the best hands-on counseling practices and techniques, we’ll work with your child to encourage their sense of self-awareness, self-knowledge, and self-acceptance, building a strong emotional foundation in the process. We also offer therapy for teens and young adults who are struggling with developmental issues, substance use, anxiety, or depression.

Improve Your Child’s Self-Confidence With Family Psychiatry and Therapy Today

Regardless of your child’s current self-confidence, mental health, or social skills, they are never beyond help. Stay strong, and don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance when you feel overwhelmed. If you have any questions about our services or would like to request an appointment for your child, then be sure to call or message us today. We’re here for you and your family whenever you need us.