Have you ever been asked by a child or student, "What is confidence?" Were you able to communicate it to them in a way they could comprehend? We frequently discuss the importance of confidence, but it can be difficult to develop a clear, actionable meaning.
So, exactly what is confidence? And how can we assist youngsters understand and integrate confidence into their lives?
Before you go, we thought you might enjoy our Growth Mindset set Posters.
What Exactly Is Confidence?
The belief that you are capable is referred to as confidence. It entails perceiving mistakes as learning opportunities, declaring "I can" rather than "I can't," and thinking you can meet and overcome life's problems.
When discussing confidence, it is equally useful to discuss what confidence is not. Confidence does not imply:
- Being arrogant or believing you are superior to others.
- Being flawless is getting it right every time.
- Burying your feelings; acting as if you are never uncomfortable or afraid.
- Everyone has moments when they don't feel confident, and that's normal!
What Exactly Is Confidence?
The belief that you are capable is referred to as confidence. It entails perceiving mistakes as learning opportunities, declaring "I can" rather than "I can't," and thinking you can meet and overcome life's problems.
How to Teach Children About Confidence
There are numerous techniques for increasing a child's confidence. But how can you assist a child consciously understand what it means to be confident? Try the helpful hints provided below!
1. Explain confidence in kid-friendly terms.
Begin by explaining confidence in kid-friendly terms. Say, "Confidence is when you believe you can do something, even if it's difficult." "Being confident" also means "having the courage to try new things and persevere after making a mistake."
It is also beneficial to provide examples, particularly from the child's own life. Consider a time when the youngster was brave enough to attempt a difficult task, learn from a mistake, or face a fear (for example, speaking in front of the class or joining a new soccer team).
2. Kids learn from adults
Spending time with confident adults is the best method for a child to comprehend and replicate confidence. If you need to enhance your confidence, start by establishing your own. It won't happen quickly, so start by refraining from making self-critical comments in front of your children or classmates.
Stop comparing yourself to others, practice positive self-talk, and surround yourself with positive people. Take care of your physical and mental health by treating yourself with love. Face your anxieties, try new interests, and think about your accomplishments, abilities, and talents.
When you can undertake this self-confidence-building task, it will be much simpler to help youngsters do the same. You will automatically instill confidence in the children in your life by modeling and direct encounters.
3. Find instances of self-assurance in novels and movies.
Examples from books and movies are another technique to help children understand an abstract notion. Many films that illustrate confidence can be found in our collection of growth mindset movies. These movies are about following your aspirations, overcoming challenges, and never giving up.
Among the publications that can help you build confidence are:
- Harry Potter series
- Wizard of Oz
- chronicles of Narnia
- The story of Hanumanki
4. Recognise and celebrate confidence
When youngsters show confidence, make sure to acknowledge and praise it! Having confidence can be demonstrated by trying something new, putting forth effort and tenacity, and having a good attitude toward making mistakes.
"High five!" is a simple way to celebrate. You persevered! That took a lot of guts," alternatively, "You were brave enough to try something new, fantastic job!" Use many variations of self-confidence affirmations, such as "Look at you! "You can do difficult things!"
5. Discuss how it feels to practice confidence.
Finally, share how it feels to cultivate confidence with your children to assist them comprehend its importance. What happens when you handle life's problems and situations with confidence?
When children demonstrate bravery, perseverance, and the ability to overcome mistakes, ask them how they felt about the event. Were they pleased with themselves? Happy? Excited? Even more assured than before? Explain how we get more confident when we practice confidence.
How to Assist Teens in Developing Confidence
Even youngsters who comprehend and exercise confidence may experience difficulties in their adolescence. The adolescent years are full with obstacles, change, and comparison. We have a whole article on how to help kids develop confidence, but here is a summary of some of our best advice:
Make it apparent to your adolescent that they are unconditionally adored. Your feelings for them are not contingent on their grades, talent, or behavior.
Hold frank discussions regarding failure and mistakes. Don't shelter your teen from failure or panic when errors occur.
Celebrate progress, endurance, hard work, and effort. Concentrate not only on the great outcomes, but also on the process of achieving them.
Assist teens in developing new and missing abilities, as well as discovering their passions and talents.
Teach teens the importance of assertiveness and boundaries. Remind them that leaving poisonous friendships or relationships or refusing to tolerate hurtful behavior from others does not make them a bad person.
Make a secure area for your teen to talk about difficult issues. Listen and be compassionate. Engage teens in the process of issue solving rather than simply telling them the solution.
Adopt a growth mentality in your home and demonstrate the confidence you want your teen to have!
