04/08/2021
How to boost your child's confidence and self-esteem
1. Freedom of expression: Never talk down on your child even if he is not making sense. When they try to engage you in a conversation and they are finding it difficult to express themselves, encourage them by saying, " go on dear, mummy/ daddy is listening... You can also assist them by completing their sentences... ask them further questions to gain more information about the topic of discourse.
2. Enrich their vocabulary: The inability to use the right words is one of the reasons why children crawl back to their shells. Discuss with them using the right vocabulary. For instance, if you are talking about food, use the vocabulary for food eg delicious, spicy, salty, bland, sugary, sour etc.
This can also be achieved through reading stories. Encourage them to read novels and bring out all the new words....then use a dictionary to search for the meaning.
3. Decision Making: a lot of Nigerian parents do not allow their kids to make some decisions. Sometimes, Let the kids choose their outfits, shoes, the books they want to read, the colours they want their rooms painted, the food they want to eat, their career path etc. This develops their sense of responsibility.
4.Speaking to a group: This is a form of public speaking. Tell the children how you spent your day. Then encourage them to take turns telling you /others what they did in school or at home.
You can also organise a weekly speech day at home. Give them a topic to research and present in front of everyone at home. If you can, organise a drama presentation at home let everyone act out a role. This activity creates good family relationships and bonding time.
5. Helping out: Encourage your children to be considerate and aware of other people's needs. This can be achieved through getting the older children to help their younger ones with homework, personal chores, zipping of wears, holding doors open, serving food etc
Each child should be given a particular task to undertake at home.
6. Love and empathy: Love is the greatest gift to humanity. A loving child is a caring child and a caring child is an empathic child(a child who senses the emotions of others). A child who is raised with love will naturally learn how to show love to another.
7. Avoid favouritism. Children can sense their parent's beloved child. This can lead to withdrawal syndrome...the unloved or less loved child goes out searching for love, attention or validation from others. Studies of shown that favouritism have led some children into committing crimes, bullying, drug addiction etc.
These might seem tasking but it will be a worthwhile investment.
Dear teachers, these points should also be applied in your classrooms
