By Sarah Chana Radcliffe
Confidence is a happy, optimistic, calm and energizing feeling that we want our kids to own. We know that they'll be healthier, more creative, more successful and more comfortable in their own skin when they possess this wonderful trait. But how do we help them acquire it? Let's start with thinking about your own confidence levels. When are you most confident? How did YOU acquire that particular confidence? When are you least confident? What made you insecure in that realm? What role did your parents have in the development of your current levels of confidence?
There are two sides to every gift - make sure your child knows them!
You've taught your child how to say, "Please." You've modeled generosity and the art of giving - and hopefully you're teaching your child how to be a giver too. Now, teach her how to be a receiver! Modeling will help again. Be generous with the phrase "thank you," as it will get downloaded into your child's brain and give her an edge in all her important relationships in life. "Thank you for listening right away." "Thank you for bringing in your dish!" "Thank you for waiting so patiently." There are countless opportunities to thank your child every day - do it and she'll thank YOU one day for making it easy and natural for her to be gracious.
