Confident children believe they are lovable and capable, and this makes them more likely to succeed.

Here are some keys to building confidence:

• Love unconditionally. Children need to know they are loved no matter what. Tell your child you love her every day. And when she misbehaves, make it clear it’s her behavior you dislike—not her.
• Encourage risk taking. Allow your child to take safe risks, such as trying a new skill or meeting friends. She may fail sometimes, but each try will be a learning experience.
• Show pride. Praise your child in many ways. Give compliments, display her artwork and mention her accomplishments in front of others. But avoid praise that exaggerates, such as “You’re the best runner ever!”
• Listen well. Talk with your child often and pay close attention to what she says. Try to respond without being judgmental. Rephrasing your child’s words is one way to do this. For example, “I know you’re sad that Jeremy is moving.”
• Encourage self-discipline. Choose rules and responsibilities your child can understand and handle. When she makes mistakes, let her learn from them. If she doesn’t put her dress in the hamper, it won’t get washed.
• Admit your weaknesses. Tell your child that no one is perfect, including you. Apologizing for your mistakes will teach your child that it’s important to forgive others.

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