Building Confident Kids
from Shine Newsletter, Spring 2007
Fitting in with the right crowd, peer pressure and getting good grades — your child has a lot to deal with. That’s why it’s so important for parents to take steps to ensure their children are confident today, tomorrow and beyond.
“Confidence is essential for future success,” said Mary N. Cook, MD, child psychiatrist and medical director for medical/psychiatric services at The Children’s Hospital. “You can’t be with your child to help him through every issue he will face in life, but you can help him develop his confidence before a difficult situation arises.”
Here are three ways to instill healthy self-esteem in your child:
- Be an engineer. Genuine self-confidence develops from actual successful experiences, rather than empty praise. Begin encouraging your child’s talents from day one. For example, engineer an environment that allows your daughter’s math skills to shine, and make sure she knows what a great “mathmagician” she is.
- Be there. Spend time with your son on a daily basis and discuss peer pressure before it becomes an issue. Talk about smoking and drinking; ask questions and listen. Really listen.
- Be on standby. You may be tempted to rush in and save the day when your daughter is snubbed by the school’s prima donna. However, letting her handle the situation on her own, and providing advice only when she asks for it, will give her a chance to develop confidence.
Stumbling blocks on the way to a healthy self-esteem are normal, but if your child displays symptoms of depression, including withdrawing from family and friends, or losing interest in daily activities, The Children’s Hospital specialists in Psychiatry can help. Call 720-777-1234 to learn more.
