There’s nothing wrong with being an introvert, but parents should help their children with their confidence, because it’s what we need to overcome challenges and take risks. Without confidence, your child may not feel comfortable raising their hand in class or performing presentations, they might not feel optimistic about their exams and they may even struggle in social situations. Of course, raising a confident child is easier said than done, which is why I have teamed up with an independent school in Somerset, to offer some advice.
Praising your child will certainly help them with their confidence but try not to overdo it because it will become less meaningful. Only praise and compliment your child when they truly deserve it, and don’t be superficial. In other words, don’t just focus on the surface level; compliment them for what’s on the inside. For example, you can say something like “You’re so kind for helping your little sister with her homework, I’m proud of you” or “Well done for spending so long on your school project last night, you’re so hardworking!”. The trick is to point out what your child is doing well and remind them regularly that they have your support.
It’s also important to encourage your child to be independent. Try and take a step back and let them solve problems on their own and make their own decisions. It can be difficult to take a backseat where our children are concerned, but it’s necessary for their overall development. They need to learn to have confidence in their own abilities, because you won’t always be there to hold their hand and help them over the hurdles.
Talk to your child about their hopes and dreams, both long and short-term. Encourage them to set realistic goals, and use positive, optimistic terminology when talking about their future. Each time they achieve a goal, their self-esteem will rise, which will give them the push they need to take on a new challenge. The trick is to help your child understand what they are capable of and what can be achieved if they set their mind to it.
