Self-belief is a
strong word. Believing in self is the first step to success. This is not just
for children, but for all of us out there. Giving praise where it is due and
reprimanding them when appropriate is a key step to building a strong
personality. A positive sense of self is probably the greatest gift you can
give your child. They become happy and productive individuals of tomorrow.
However, constantly praising them, does not amount to building self-belief in
the them. A right mix of appreciation and strong warnings go hand in hand and
is a total must in the child’s development.
What is self-belief?
The concept of
self has always been confusing. Are we what we think we are or are we a sum
total of what others think we are? The debate has been on for a while. However,
to define self-belief simply is to believe that the ‘self’ (in this case, you)
are capable of the greater endeavors of life. A belief that will propel you to
work for it. A belief that will constantly allow you to put the right foot forward.
A belief in oneself that is positive. Once we set our children believe that we
truly admire and appreciate their deeds, they take it seriously and strive to
achieve more. At the same time, a strong dose of warning coupled with serious
advice also tells them what they are expected to be and what is sought of them.
Hence, the CBSE schools in Chandigarh have
made a comprehensive list of items that go into building self-belief in
children.
Appreciate in public:
When you know they deserve some appreciation, make is loud and let your kids feel proud. Tell them you knew they were capable of it. This way, they will start believing in themselves that they are capable of more and more.
Step back:
As a parent, you may be compelled to make choices for them. Step right back. Allow them to decide. Let them make their choice and take risks. It will give them the much-needed belief that they actually can make the right choices. Rather than praising them at every step, step back for once and let them decide what they want to do.
Strictly no comparison:
Do not compare your child with the other children. You only deprive them of their belief in self. Instead, you could suggest them how not to do things. It is only through a series of failures; your child will see light at the end of the tunnel.
Perfection is a myth:
Tell your child how nobody is perfect. Working on the flaws might be necessary, but it is also important to channelize that energy into something they are really good at. Drive their attention there.
Telling them how good they are and how much you believe in them is not always the right way around. What is important is you have an indirect control on their actions and choices. Children today need doses of self-belief. Once they get that, there really is no stopping them.
When you know they deserve some appreciation, make is loud and let your kids feel proud. Tell them you knew they were capable of it. This way, they will start believing in themselves that they are capable of more and more.
Step back:
As a parent, you may be compelled to make choices for them. Step right back. Allow them to decide. Let them make their choice and take risks. It will give them the much-needed belief that they actually can make the right choices. Rather than praising them at every step, step back for once and let them decide what they want to do.
Strictly no comparison:
Do not compare your child with the other children. You only deprive them of their belief in self. Instead, you could suggest them how not to do things. It is only through a series of failures; your child will see light at the end of the tunnel.
Perfection is a myth:
Tell your child how nobody is perfect. Working on the flaws might be necessary, but it is also important to channelize that energy into something they are really good at. Drive their attention there.
Telling them how good they are and how much you believe in them is not always the right way around. What is important is you have an indirect control on their actions and choices. Children today need doses of self-belief. Once they get that, there really is no stopping them.
