5 Ways to Build your Child 's Confidence

Studies show that kids who have a positive self-image reap such benefits as higher academic achievement and healthier relationships with others. Help your child gain more confidence with these activities from Silvana Clark, author of a half-dozen parenting books including Fun-Filled Parenting: A Guide to Laughing More and Yelling Less. 

1. Explore Together.  Brainstorm a list of outings or activities no one in your family has experienced before, then try some. Maybe taking an art class together? A fish spa together?  By tackling new things as a family, you can teach your child not to be intimidated by the unfamiliar.

2. Put your Child in Charge. Give your youngster opportunities everyday to take the lead. Teach him how to accomplish tasks like checking out books at the library, paying for small purchases, and ordering meals at restaurants. He'll learn skills that make him more independent and get a chance to be the boss.

3. Hand him tools. When he's old enough to handle them, teach your child how to work with tools, such as screwdriver, hammer and pliers. And let him test his skills by doing small project on his own: it could be building a sculpture from wood scraps or hanging his latest art class masterpiece.

Hyzyd's seriously working on the roller paint to cover his doodles:)

4. Make a Can-Do List. Remind your child of all he's capable of by helping him list his accomplishments and talents on a resume-style- things like "Can shoot three free throws in a row" and "Can cook macaroni and cheese by myself". Print out the list on heavy-weight paper and update it every six months. 

Hmmmm...this idea is awesome! I'm working on it and will update you later moms:)

5. Teach Him a New Trick. Mastering a cool new skill feels good no matter how old you are. Teach your child how to skip a stone, tie an intricate knot, or pull off a card trick.

Nowadays, Hyzyd's into educational games and read-along on iPad. There's something so intuitive and simple about touching things on the screen that they just dive in without needing to be shown how it all works. He's more at home in using it than me!