Clubs are a great way for children to build confidence. Usually, parents will tell you to get your child involved in some sort of martial art or sport. This is sure to develop character and teach discipline, you’ll be informed. But what do you do if your child is the one at soccer practice who would rather climb a tree? This is a clear sign that your child isn’t ready for challenging social interactions. We’re here to help. Check out our top five tips on how to build confidence in your child.
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Physical Activities
OK, yes, we started this blog by saying sometimes children just aren’t ready for joining a club. But there’s no reason to give up that easily. Get your child used to the outdoors by taking them on bike rides and walks. Play ball games with them and perhaps invest in racquet sports. Once you have spent time exposing your child to physical sports, include a school friend, a cousin, or a neighbour of similar age. Instead of sending your child to a club on their own, they now have a friend with similar interests who can join with them. This method aims to steadily inflate your child’s bubble until they are ready to join a club seamlessly.
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Encourage their Interests
Bill Gates was never going to be an all-star quarter back hall of famer. Similarly, David Beckham was never going to win the Nobel Prize for theoretical physics. Everyone is different. Everyone has their strengths. Whatever your little one shows an interest in is a clear route to developing their confidence. Test the water by introducing them to arts and crafts, drama, music, science, low impact sports such as golf and swimming, and why not even try a new language together. Give them something that they can learn at a steady pace and make their own.
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Structure and Rules
Children thrive in controlled environments. Establish order through household rules that lets them know their place in a good way – give them small tasks such as tidying their room and helping to carry groceries. Reward their efforts with treats such as movie nights and letting them choose a book from the store – even if for now it’s a colouring book or a plain paper book that they can doodle in. Whatever rules you set, be consistent.
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Adventure Time!
Don’t get bogged down in saying no to your child each time they ask to try something that could be dangerous if unsupervised. Spend time with your child doing things that they know they wouldn’t be allowed to do on their own, such as baking, gardening, building new furniture or decorating, or even using some basic features of computer software such as photoshop. This will let them know that you think they are up to the task, giving them that boost to feel confident in themselves.
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Reward Yourself
This one sounds strange, but rewarding yourself for completing tasks such as weight loss or getting a new job is a visible sign to your child that special rewards are part of achieving milestones in life. Done correctly, your child will realise that they can bargain for rewards, and may start to offer to help around the home in exchange for a new computer game, toy, or money. This is an excellent way to teach an appreciation for money and possessions.
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