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It isn't easy being a parent. Raising children to become happy, successful adults can be quite a daunting task. Children are the future and it is up to parents to teach them how to survive in today's world. How do you go about boosting your child's confidence? What do we do if our children seem to be withdrawn and shy? As many people have said, "Children don't come with instructions." It's true. They don't come with instructions, but would it truly work if they did? Each child is an individual so no set of instructions could possibly be applicable to all children, especially when it comes to boosting their self-esteem. Many parents often wonder, "Am I doing the right thing?" Boosting your child's self-esteem isn't really as difficult as it may seem.
Here are some simple guidelines that can help:
1. Say "I love you" to your child at least once a day. (Even if you have a "cool" teenager who might think it's lame)
2. Praise your child for a job well done, whether it is at school or at home.
3. Understand that some children may have difficulty in school. Praise your child for making an honest effort.
4. Spend time with your child. Even if it is only ten or fifteen minutes some days. The quality of the time spent is worth far more than the quantity.
5. Get involved in your child's activities. Go to the ballet recitals, baseball games, school concerts, etc. Your presence shows your child that you care.
6. An idea that works really well with younger children is to create some type of family project where each child has a specific task. The project could be a family drawing, sculpture, newspaper or even a special family website! The choice depends on the interests of your family.
7. Children like to feel needed. Assigning them a task such as making their bed or dusting the furniture makes them feel important.
8. Whenever possible, read to your child. Encourage your child to ask questions and comments on the story.
9. Exhibit confidence yourself. They can read adults like a book. Children learn by example and they are sensitive to the emotions of others.
10. The most important thing you can do to boost your child's self-esteem is to listen. Your child has a lot to talk about, and when you take the time to listen, your child will learn that his/her opinions matter. Be as approachable as possible. Avoid saying things such as "Not now, Honey, Mommy's busy." If you really cannot listen to your child at that particular time, say something like, "Now is not a good time for talking. Let's make a special time to talk." Then make the time.
11. Always keep your promises. Avoid making promises you cannot keep. Children may feel as though they are at fault when an adult doesn't keep a promise to them.
12. Avoid comparing siblings to each other. Remember that each child is an individual with his/her own personal needs.
Remember, children are constantly learning and are very impressionable. They look to you for guidance. Encourage them, love them, talk to them, listen to them, and most of all, believe in their abilities. You are the key to building their confidence. Following some of these steps may help you. These guidelines may also give you some inspiration to find other ways to boost yourt child's self-esteem.
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