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Originally Posted On: https://mumsthenerd.co.uk/raising-self-confident-kids/

Alright, gather ’round, you fabulous troop of parenting warriors! Today, we’re diving into the wonderfully wacky world of raising kids – yes, those delightful little beings who can switch from angelic to anarchic before you can say, “Bob’s your uncle.” We’re on a mission, dear friends, to arm our offspring with the kind of confidence that’ll have them striding through life’s ups and downs like they own the place. Buckle up, buttercups, because we’re about to embark on a delightful ramble through the art of nurturing self-assured, happy kiddos in our gloriously unpredictable world.

Perfection? Pfft, that’s as likely as a quiet day when the kids are home. So, when your little one tries flipping pancakes and ends up with more on the ceiling than the plate, cheer them on! It’s the effort we’re toasting to, not just the outcome. Think about it – they tried something new, and that’s pretty brave. Next time, who knows? They might just get that pancake to land right back in the pan (and won’t that be a story to tell?).

Praise is like the secret sauce – too much, and it’s overkill; too little and it’s bland. It’s about getting that balance. Your kiddo has been practising their free kicks in the garden for hours. The ball’s mostly hitting the fence, but occasionally it finds the net. It’s not about those few successful kicks; it’s about the persistence, the mud-stained knees, and the determination. Celebrate that resilience. It teaches them that sticking with something, even when it’s tough, is worth it. Plus, it makes the successes, when they come, all the sweeter.

Kids have their own personalities, their own quirks, and, yes, their own sense of style. If your little one decides that pirate hats are in vogue or that socks are best worn on hands, why not? Encouraging their individuality is crucial. It tells them, “I see you, I appreciate you, and I love the person you’re becoming.” Whether they’re in a phase where they only wear pink, or they want to wear their superhero costume to the supermarket, it’s all about expressing themselves. And let’s be honest, it adds a bit of colour to our days, too!

The word ‘yet’ is like a little beacon of hope. It’s the difference between a full stop and an ellipsis… There’s more to come. So, when your child is struggling to tie their shoelaces, and they’re on the brink of giving up, throw in a ‘yet’. “You can’t tie your laces… yet.” It implies progress, potential, and the promise that they’ll get there in the end. And when they finally do, the victory is all the sweeter because they know they’ve overcome a challenge. It’s about building resilience, one ‘yet’ at a time.

Ah, social skills. In a world where ‘hanging out’ often means a group chat, face-to-face interaction is like gold dust. Encouraging your child to engage with others, to share, to take turns, and to listen is foundational. It’s the stuff that friendships are built on. Whether they’re navigating the playground dynamics or learning to work in a team at school, these experiences are the building blocks of confidence. They learn to trust their own voice, to empathise, and to connect – skills that are invaluable, not just in childhood but throughout life. Plus, watching them forge friendships, seeing them laugh and share – isn’t that just the best?

There’s something quite magical about watching your little one make decisions. So, when it’s their turn to pick a board game or decide what’s for tea (within reason – we’re not having ice cream for every meal!), it’s more than just a break from adulting. It’s them learning the ropes of decision-making. Sure, they might choose to wear clashing stripes and polka dots for picture day, but hey, they’re owning it. And that confidence, that sense of “I chose this,” sticks with them, building their self-assurance in their own choices.

Remember, our kiddos are always peeking over our shoulders, mimicking our moves when they see us embracing our successes, laughing off our blunders, or dancing in the kitchen just because they’re taking notes. Showing them it’s okay to be proud, to be silly, or to admit when we’re stumped teaches them invaluable lessons in humility and self-acceptance. So next time you’re belting out tunes off-key during the school run, just think of the confidence you’re modelling – it’s all in the day’s work of parenting!

Giving our nippers our undivided attention is like giving them a giant bear hug – it’s warm, comforting, and lets them know they’re valued. Whether they’re babbling about dinosaurs or the intricate plot of their favourite cartoon, listening – really listening – shows them their thoughts and feelings matter. And in a world where everyone’s glued to screens, that’s a pretty powerful message of validation and love.

At the heart of it all is love – that unshakeable, unwavering, unconditional love. It’s the kind that says, “I’ve got your back,” whether they’ve aced a test or turned the living room into a makeshift mud pit. This love is their safety net, allowing them to leap into new experiences with the knowledge that, win or lose, they’re cherished just the same. It’s this foundation that cements their self-worth and emboldens them to face the world head-on.

Now, about sprucing up and taking pride in their appearance – it’s more than just looking snazzy. It’s about self-expression and feeling good in their own skin. When they pick out their outfit (even if it’s that superhero cape, again), or when they decide it’s time for those braces to straighten their smile, they’re making choices about how they present themselves to the world. It’s these decisions, these small acts of autonomy, that bolster their sense of self and reinforce the idea that they’re in charge of their own story – and what a brilliant story it’s shaping up to be!

So, there you have it, a good old natter about building up our kids to be confident, splendid little beings. It’s a mix of cheering, listening, and just being there, really. Here’s to us, navigating the bonkers yet beautiful journey of parenting. Cheers!