Confidence for kids and teens

Do you have a child or teenager who doesn’t seem confident in his or her own skin?

If you are worried that they feel a little lost, or concerned others may negatively influence them, helping them recognise their values is a great place to start. This gives them a basis for determining who they are and what is important to them.

When children and teens have a stronger sense of themselves, they tend to feel less anxious and more empowered.

The following simple strategy is a great place to start. It will enable you to have some conversations with them (if they’re willing) and also helps them develop some self awareness.

Determining what is important to them also gives them the opportunity to respectfully stand up for what they feel is acceptable and helps them learn resilience and independence.

Below are some key points to discuss and list down together:

My parents values are
The values of someone else I respect are
Societies values are
Values that I think I should live by
Values I actually live by
Most important things to me

You could also do this activity as a family to give you an opportunity to discuss your differences and similarities.

What ways do you try and help boost your kids confidence levels? Feel free to leave your comments below.

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20 Comments

- - ella12 said
  - 18 Oct 2017
    2:22 pm
Some valid things to consider, thanks.

- - mom81879 said
  - 16 Nov 2015
    1:32 pm
Isn’t it funny how differently your kids turn out even though they grow up in the same situation. We have a daughter who is so outgoing and a son the complete opposite. What did we do wrong or right fir that matter?

- - christial said
  - 19 Feb 2015
    1:53 pm
Being confident in yourself usually provides a good example for your kids to follow.

- - mom57522 said
  - 31 Jan 2015
    9:40 pm
Some key points we could ask ourselves.

- - mom64736 said
  - 28 Jan 2015
    12:49 pm
I really like this article and will be trying this with my kids.

- - natashaschofield said
  - 27 Jan 2015
    4:21 pm
Definately good conversation topics. Talking is extremely important.

- - grillsp said
  - 22 Jan 2015
    8:36 pm
Thanks for this advice, hopefully this will also help with extreme shyness.

- - mom117219 said
  - 06 Jan 2015
    9:56 pm
each child is different so don t compare one kids with other and encourage small small things they do.

- - mom57522 said
  - 24 Dec 2014
    9:40 pm
I point out the achievements that they don’t easily recognise.

- - Lov'n'Life said
  - 16 Dec 2014
    10:21 pm
Great list thanks might give this a go

- - keeleynme said
  - 15 Dec 2014
    1:36 pm
I thought this was about how to boost kids confidence, but it’s about behaviour, and where they learn it from. Should change heading.

- - cherz said
  - 11 Dec 2014
    4:46 pm
Thank you for sharing your interesting and helpful article.

- - mom57808 said
  - 11 Dec 2014
    9:01 am
my daughter and granddaughter are like my best friends, we can talk about everything and anything… Christmas is so special for us

- - june11 said
  - 11 Dec 2014
    1:11 am
At what age do you think a young child should develop empathy?

- - rovermum said
  - 10 Dec 2014
    11:15 am
I build my son’s self esteem with open lines of communication, praising my son on effort, telling our own life experiences. Congratulating where it’s due. Not over-praising.

- - aliceou said
  - 09 Dec 2014
    4:57 pm
It’s very important for the young children to build up their confidence.

- - Threelos said
  - 09 Dec 2014
    2:22 pm
I like the idea of discussing this as a family.

- - mom92217 said
  - 08 Dec 2014
    11:48 am
So inFormative thank you for sharing

- - stepmom107932 said
  - 08 Dec 2014
    10:32 am
Very interesting. I think it is very good to have discussions about these topics with kids of all ages.

- - mom94125 said
  - 07 Dec 2014
    9:46 pm
i like seeing how we can encourage confidence in our children and also teach them an essential tool for their life. confidence is the key to success!