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A recent Thriving Kids podcast covers the topic of how to build up children’s self esteem and includes tips on instilling confidence.

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In the latest Thriving Kids episode, psychologist Jennifer Louie, PhD, joined Dave Anderson, the Child Mind Institute’s senior psychologist and vice president of public engagement and education, to discuss how caregivers can support children in developing confidence.

The discussion covered such topics as when children are self-critical, why praising effort matters more than praising talent, and how to help children feel capable even when they fail. 

Among the methods discussed on everyday ways to help nurture a child’s self esteem at home include:

• Show your child love every day – not just with words, but with your presence.
• Share your family’s values – kindness, respect, and courage – not as rules but as guiding principles for a strong character.
• Expose your child to a variety of activities – such as playing music, being active, or making art.
• Encourage your child to seek meaningful, but attainable, goals – and avoid challenges that are too easy and can lead to boredom as well as those too difficult that can make them discouraged.
• Focus on the effort and the journey, rather than praising a child’s natural abilities; instead, recognize the hard work, which highlights the value of dedication and improvement.

Other tips for caregivers include modeling confidence in yourself even when you’re not feeling it, not getting upset about mistakes, praising perseverance, helping children find their passion, celebrating effort, expecting them to pitch in, and showing love, no matter what.

The episode is available on the Child Mind Institute’s website.