Kelly Greenawalt, mother of four and author of the Princess Truly book series, knows that confidence matters just as much as ability. Confident kids have higher self-esteem and are more likely to try new things. They do better in school and they carry that self-confidence into adulthood. In her newest book, Princess Truly in I am Truly, Kelly hopes to inspire young readers to believe and achieve.
“Princess Truly is a confident girl. She is a problem-solver, a leader… a strong girl. She is a character that all young girls can identify with” said Greenawalt.
Building confidence in your kids begins when they are babies. Here are 5 tips for raising a Truly confident kid.
1. Problem Solved
Children need to practice solving problems and correcting their mistakes. They learn a lot by trial and error. If something isn’t working, allow your child some time to figure out how to make it work before offering assistance. When your child is stuck, it’s okay to ask questions or offer suggestions but don’t rush in to fix things for them. Realize that sometimes too much help is unhelpful. Kids learn just as much, if not more, from failure as they do success. Let your child overcome obstacles, don’t remove them. Your child’s self esteem and confidence will grow far more when they learn to rise above failure rather than having success handed to them. Most importantly, praise them for overcoming their challenges independently.
2. Competent and Confident
Kids feel confident when they are competent. Responsibility is a gift! When you give your child a new responsibility and hold them accountable, you are telling them that you believe they are capable. Chores might not be always be fun but a job well done is a confidence booster. Be clear in your expectations and teach your child how to perform the task properly. Allow your child to help you with your chores. Assisting with your work is not only a great way to bond but also helps show your children the value of a job well done.
3. Let them take Risks
Teach your children that great reward can come from opportunities like trying out for a sport or making a new friend if they are willing to take a chance and go for it! Your child may not always succeed but confidence in their ability to take on new challenges will grow if they are given the freedom to try. Healthy risk taking is an important part of growing and learning. Taking a chance allows your child to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Remember that some bumps in the road are good, they build resilience. Kids need opportunities to deal with failure so that they can grow with success.
4. Tell them!
Encouragement builds confidence. Tell your child that you believe they can and they will believe it too. Words are powerful! Praise builds confidence too but only when it’s done right. Make sure to give positive and accurate feedback. Honest praise that is specific and earned will build your child’s self-esteem. Everyone isn’t good at everything and that is okay.
5. Nobody’s Perfect
Your children need to know that you are in their corner, win or lose. All kids will miss the ball, fail a test, or forget their lines from time to time. Mistakes are a part of life. It’s okay to have high expectations for your children but make sure they are realistic. Encourage strong effort and remind your children that success will come if they continue to work hard.
Kelly Greenawalt’s new book, Princess Truly in I am Truly, is available on Amazon.
