3 Small Ways to Boost Your Child's Confidence

Self-confidence doesn’t only mean believing in yourself. It also involves action — such as taking on a challenge and getting out of your comfort zone.

If you’re looking for tips on helping your child boost their confidence, fortunately, there are many meaningful activities that can make a difference.

3 Small but Effective Ways To Boost a Child’s Confidence

The following strategies allow them to celebrate their unique qualities and feel good about themselves:

#1: Give them age-appropriate tasks.

This may include putting away their toys after playtime, making their bed each morning, or preparing simple meals (like a sandwich or salad).

In classrooms, age-appropriate responsibilities include distributing learning materials and managing classroom chores (e.g., watering plants, tidying up areas), or even helping plan events.

#2: Transform negative self-talk into self-love.

Help kids recognize when they’re engaging in negative self-talk by asking them to notice phrases like “I always mess things up,” “I’m not good enough,” or “I’m sure they won’t like me.”

Together, give this negative voice a silly name, like “Pessimistic Pete” or “Fearful Frankie.” Tell your child that they can talk back to that voice and let it know that it doesn’t control their thoughts or feelings, and then respond with a more realistic perspective.

For example, instead of “I always mess things up,” help them reframe this as: “I have some weaknesses but I’m working on them.”

They can refer to an affirmation list when they need a confidence boost!

#3: Complete a gratitude exercise each day. 

Research shows that higher levels of gratitude are associated with higher levels of self-esteem. Gratitude can counteract self-criticism and it helps them acknowledge positive feedback and affirmations they receive from others.

To help kids develop this positive habit, start their day with a simple exercise like writing down or verbally sharing 5 things they are grateful for. This could be their supportive friend or a favorite book.

Here’s a gratitude worksheet for students to complete. If they feel comfortable, they can share their insights in a group discussion.

I hope you find these tips helpful. These activities are just a starting point.

For additional inspiration, be sure to check out our 100 positive affirmations for confidence and self-reliance!

*This article was originally published in our email newsletter on February 18, 2025.