Besrey- Oct 31 2025

8 Things You Can Do to Boost Your Child’s Confidence

Building confidence in kids isn’t just about cheering them on; it’s about giving them the tools, opportunities, and support that allow them to learn what confidence feels like. One study revealed that by the age of 5, children have already established their sense of self-esteem. This serves as a reminder that addressing confidence issues in children isn’t something that can wait -- it needs to be a priority early on.

Here are 8 things you can start doing today to help boost your child’s self-esteem:

1.Create an Affirmation Routine

Starting or ending each day with a few simple reminders, “I am smart, I am kind, I am loved,” can lead to more confident kids in the long run. Daily affirmations help set the tone for how your child views themselves in this world – don’t skip this one.

2.Encourage Them to Order at Restaurants

Instead of acting as the translator for the waiter at the restaurant, let your child order their own food and drink. Even kids as young as 2 years old can order for themselves. Help them if needed, but be sure to give them the time and space to get their words out, make eye contact, and share an exchange with a stranger.

3.Allow Them to Play with Friends Independently

Unstructured play, meaning play that isn’t prescribed or designed by an adult, allows children to be creative, innovative, and independent. When they get time with their peers, they learn conflict resolution, leadership skills, and even teamwork. These skills are foundational for raising confident kids.

4.Give Them Responsibilities

Kids are capable of more than you think! Giving them a chance to prove their capabilities with chores or small responsibilities around the house, like taking out the trash or feeding the dogs, will result in confident go-getters.

5.Let Them Solve Problems

Parents are often eager to make their children’s lives easier. When they forget their homework at home or fail to get a permission slip signed, it’s easy to rush in and deliver the items to school. But learning how to problem-solve is important for addressing confidence issues in children. Instead of jumping in to save the day, let your kiddo decide what comes next. Their adult selves will be glad you did.

6.Illustrate What Confidence Looks Like

Kids learn so much just by watching you. The way you talk to yourself, the way you show up for the people in your life, and even the way your confidence comes across will have an impact. If you want to boost your child’s self-esteem, the best place to start is by fostering your own.

7.Have Conversations About Feeling Not-So-Confident

On the other hand, honestly showcasing those moments where you aren’t feeling as confident can serve as a reminder to your child that everyone struggles with confidence issues. It’s the way you bounce back from those moments that are the most valuable!

8.Try New Things Together

Anytime humans try something new, chances are, they won’t be great at it at first. By trying out new activities with your children, like art or a new sport, you’re teaching them that it’s okay to be a beginner, it’s okay to take chances, and it’s okay to be bad at something.

Confident Kids Create a Better World

The best way to make the world a brighter place is by instilling confidence in kids. Confident kids are friendlier, more aware of their impact on the people around them, and able to help boost children who may have confidence issues themselves.
Establishing confident kids takes work, but a lot of the best ways to boost your child’s self-esteem are things that happen in the normal day-to-day interactions. Smiling at strangers, saying hi to friends and neighbors, and even reminding themselves of their own affirmations will go a long way in instilling self-confidence.