Everyone can benefit from more self-confidence. But very young children need some guidance as they learn to believe in themselves. As adults, we can help our children with the important task of developing self-confidence.
To help your kindergartener develop their belief in self, model confident behaviors and tell them how important they are. They’ll begin to realize that everyone has value, regardless of whether they are big or little, old or young. That’s a great lesson for anyone to learn!
Physical Activities to Build Self-Confidence
For kindergarteners, there’s nothing better than the approval of their parents. You can show them that approval by helping them discover their own physical capabilities.
Try these ideas:
1. Encourage a sport – but avoid forcing your child to play something he or she doesn’t enjoy.
2. Make time for you and your child to play together each day.
3. Avoid sheltering a child so much that they don’t get to interact with others. Learning appropriate social interaction behaviors is critical to building their confidence!
4. Encourage a healthy weight by eating right and getting exercise. Make exercise time fun.
5. Set a good example by not smoking, drinking, or overeating.
Your kindergartener will learn a lot from the example that you set, the time you spend together, and the encouragement you give them to try new things and explore the world. As long as you don’t push them too hard, they’ll feel empowered to choose what they like and to learn from those choices.
Mental Activities to Build Self-Confidence
Mental prowess is important for self-confidence, too. Some people have more natural intellectual aptitude than others, but all people can learn. Regardless of where your kindergartener falls on the IQ spectrum, you can help them realize their full potential.
Consider these activities:
1. Involve your child in age-appropriate games that stimulate the mind.
2. Talk with them in an intelligent manner, instead of using baby talk.
3. Encourage your child to ask questions, and answer those questions honestly.
4. Set the example: engage in your own intellectual pursuits.
5. Allow your child to explore the world and be curious about life.
These may sound like simple things to do, but many parents aren’t aware of the impact they have on children. Creating good habits and building confidence at a very early age is a great way to give a child the best possible start in life. As an added bonus, you just might discover more confidence in yourself at the same time!
Kindergarten is a vulnerable time for children because they are being exposed to more people, the structure of a school day, and to new social dynamics. It can be an overwhelming experience! If they have confidence in themselves, they will go farther, be happier, and be less likely to be targeted by others who might not want to treat them fairly.
While you can’t protect your kindergartener from everything, you can equip them with the tools they need to stand up for themselves. By teaching them self-confidence, you give them hope and strength for the future.
