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People aren’t born with self-confidence, it has to be nurtured just like every other executive function. These hacks will help you nurture your kid’s self-confidence./Can We Help Our Kids Develop Self-Confidence?
If you could choose, would you want your kids to develop self-confidence or self-esteem? I used to think they were the same, but now I know differently. Many kids have self-esteem, but very few have self-confidence. Why? At some point, a parenting guru decided kids lacked self-esteem, and every child should succeed equally. But is that a message we want our children to believe? Maybe. Maybe not.
As a parent, grandparent, and educator, I can share my experience with you. I’ve discovered how a healthy sense of self-confidence equips kids for the future, while a healthy sense of self-esteem often turns into frustration, disillusionment, and entitlement.
One important element in helping kids develop self-confidence includes modeling a growth mindset. When our children watch us tackle difficult tasks, they will learn to do the same. Today’s podcast will share five hacks to help you develop self-confidence in your kids.
Show Notes
Mindset: the New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck.
I wish these books had been around when my kids were younger!
Growth Mindset Activities for Kids: 55 Exercises to Embrace Learning and Overcome Challenges Ages 6-9 by Ester Pia Cordova
Growth Mindset Activities for Kids: 55 Exercises to Embrace Learning and Overcome Challenges Ages 8-12 by Ester Pia Cordova
If you’re an educator, you’ll definitely want to read the Wong’s book, The First Days of School: How to be an Effective Teacher.
Dream Big: Know What You Want, Why You Want it, and What You’re Going to Do About it by Bob Goff.

Come Back Next Week
Join me next week when we explore the connection between self-awareness and a growth mindset.
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Great tips for encouraging Kids in a growth mindset and developing their self-confidence!
Lisa Blair recently posted…3 Steps in How to Wait on the Lord
What a good explanation! You are so right – self-confidence comes out of the tangible results of real action – completing real tasks! Thanks for the book list – I would have valued these suggestions when my kiddos were little – and I think they would be valuable with my grandchildren!!!
Maryleigh recently posted…Old Prayers and New
Anita, this was so good! I especially appreciated “remember the power of not yet”. So very true! Not everything is grasped at the same speed. Thank you for sharing these insights!
Yet is such a powerful word! I appreciate your distinction between self-confidence and self-esteem.
Michele+Morin recently posted…What Number One Priority Controls Your Decision Making Process?
Anita, I like how you highlighted the importance of growing in confidence versus self-esteem. Great hacks.
Debbie Wilson recently posted…What Does the Bible Say About Women and the Church?
Great topic, Anita! It’s a distinction that I never really considered before. I am going to have a listen to the podcast now!
Shelbee