Ordering at a restaurant, helping with directions, and more: 7 simple ways to build a child’s confidence

Confidence isn’t a skill that develops overnight. It’s neither something that develops when children grow older. Instead it is built slowly through everyday experiences when they are growing up. Parents want their children to become confident, but what can make them confident are the small but daily efforts parents make. From letting kids place orders at a restaurant to asking them for directions, here are 7 subtle ways parents can build a child's confidence.

A simple restaurant visit can become a great confidence-building activity. Instead of speaking for your child, allow them to tell the server what they would like to order. This small interaction teaches children how to communicate and make decisions. Even if they feel shy at first, practising these small conversations helps them become more comfortable in social situations.

A simple trick parents can try when they’re travelling can contribute to building a child’s confidence, along with helping learn life-skills such as problem solving and decision making. When travelling, parents can involve children by asking them to help with directions, spot landmarks, or notice where they are going. Parents can also hand GPS trackers to help children learn directions.

Sometimes children love to be “responsible ones” and handle adult duties. This trick can help parents involve children in small household work alongside building their confidence. Instead of simply assigning kids a task, parents can give them a fun identity. For example, when you ask your child to water the plants, name them ‘Plant Caretaker.’ This way children feel confident about their abilities, and also develop a sense of responsibility.

Before a trip or outing, parents can tell their children to pack their belongings themselves. While parents make sure they keep the essentials, allowing kids the freedom to choose what they’d like to wear or which toys they would want to keep helps build confidence. This simple practice also teaches children organisation and independence.

Meeting new people is another opportunity for parents to help boost a child’s confidence for the longer run. Whether it is meeting a neighbour, a new teacher, or a family friend, encourage your child to say their name, greet the person, and share something about themselves. These small social skills help children feel more capable and independent over time.

Even if you know more than your child does, sometimes, becoming their student is the best thing to build confidence. Asking them to teach you something they understand, whether it is a game, a craft, a fact, or something they learned at school is the perfect way to do it. It also teaches them communication skills and encourages deeper learning.

Children often surprise adults with their ideas when given the chance. Instead of solving every small problem for them, invite their opinion. Whether it is organising a space, choosing between options, or finding a solution to a small challenge, these moments teach children that they can handle situations. ASk them “what idea do you have?” A confident child is not created by avoiding every mistake, but by having them learn through mistakes and experiences.