One of the most important tasks of a parent is to help his child develop self-confidence. This should start early on during the toddler stage when a child is starting to walk and explore his surroundings. This may not be an easy process because it entails patience and persistence.
It is only when parents give their child the freedom to commit mistakes can they establish self- confidence. It means allowing them to fall down and get up again, to understand that things are not smooth sailing all the time and teaching them to understand that problems can always occur.
When you are able to allow your child to fail, you’re doing the right move. You don’t have to feel sorry for him or her or for yourself. Let it be and just encourage the child to get back up and try again.
Do understand that there are really kids who show some sense of independence at an early age. They want to try things for themselves without a parent’s help such as in pouring his own milk, drinking water from a glass, putting on his shoes or pants or even walking. These things they try to do even if you feel they won’t do it right.
A parent’s normal reaction is to help the child particularly if you’re in a rush. But before you attempt to do that, stop yourself and let your kid struggle. That is the only way a child will learn to become independent.
Instead of saying no to what your child is doing because you think it might not proceed well, just let him or her do that task and give them the freedom to make mistakes. A few bruises and bumps won’t hurt unless of course it’s a major one that can endanger the kid’s health.
Remember that when you help establish your child’s self-confidence, you are teaching him to make his own decisions and solve minor problems early on in his life.
Photo by madeformums
Originally posted on August 4, 2012 @ 2:01 pm
