Confidence means believing in yourself and your abilities. Confidence is built up through experiences and it helps us to take on new challenges, build relationships and create new opportunities.
It is really important for parents to help their children develop a positive attitude grow in confidence. But how can you do this? We’ve teamed up with Brampton College, to share their top tips on how to help teenagers develop their confidence…
Role model
Children learn from their parents. The more you communicate with your child, the better they will develop essential communication skills. Parents should also try to set a good example by demonstrating good social skills and manners for their children to replicate. It is also important to teach children how to hold a conversation, how to read body language and how to use eye contact effectively.
Step back
Try not to do everything for your child. Sometimes it is better to take a step back and let children work things out for themselves. Let your child take risks, solve problems and make their own choices and you will soon see their confidence grow.
Growth mind-set
Help your child to develop a ‘growth mind-set’. This method of positive thinking can support children through challenges and setbacks. Children with a growth mind-set believe that their abilities will improve over time and acknowledge that mistakes can also be used as learning opportunities.
Responsibility
Give your child more responsibility. This could mean asking your child to help with some simple jobs around the house, such as cooking dinner or taking the dog for a walk. This will increase their feelings of competency and help to develop their confidence.
Choice
Let your child make their own choices (to an extent!). These choices can still be preselected by you if decision making takes a long time. For example, when you are out shopping for clothes with your son or daughter, select two outfits you are happy to buy them and then let your child pick one. By offering your child choices, you can help them to feel empowered and improve their decision-making skills.
Skills
Encourage your child to take part in extra-curricular activities, such as sports or drama. Extra-curricular activities are a great way to boost your child’s self-confidence and develop their communication skills. This will also provide a great opportunity for your child to learn a new skill and make new friends.
