Raising Rockstars - The Confidence Code

As parents, we want our children to grow up to be confident, self-assured, and equipped to tackle the challenges of an ever-changing world. But how do we instill this confidence in our little ones? Satrangi Gurukul suggests that early childhood is a critical period for developing self-confidence, with children as young as 12-18 months old begin to demonstrate self-awareness and self-efficacy. 

When it comes to praising our children, it's easy to fall into the trap of focusing on their natural ability or talent. However, Satrangi Gurukul suggests that this type of praise can actually hinder confidence in the long run. Children who received praise for their effort, rather than their ability, were more likely to develop a growth mindset and persist in the face of challenges. So, instead of saying "You're so smart!" try "I can see you worked really hard on that puzzle!" This subtle shift in language can help your child develop a sense of self-efficacy and confidence.

Active listening is a powerful tool for building confidence in children. When we give our undivided attention to our child, we send a clear message that their thoughts, feelings, and opinions matter. We have found that children who felt heard and validated by their parents were more likely to develop emotional intelligence and self-confidence. To practice active listening, make eye contact, put away distractions, and paraphrase your child's words to show you're engaged and interested. This simple yet effective technique can help your child feel heard and understood, laying the foundation for confident self-expression.

In a fast-paced, achievement-driven world, it's easy to get caught up in the idea that failure is something to be feared. However, Satrangi Gurukul  suggests that this mindset can be detrimental to our children's confidence. We also found that children who viewed failures as opportunities for growth and learning were more likely to persist in the face of challenges and develop a sense of self-confidence. So, the next time your child makes a mistake, try reframing it as a chance to learn and improve. Ask open-ended questions like "What do you think went wrong?" or "What would you do differently next time?" This approach can help your child develop a growth mindset and see failure as a stepping stone to success.

Positive self-talk is a powerful tool for building confidence in children. When we encourage our children to speak kindly to themselves, we help them develop a positive self-image and build resilience. We have found that children who engaged in positive self-talk were more likely to persist in challenging situations and develop a sense of self-confidence. To encourage positive self-talk, model it yourself! Use affirmations like "I can do this!" or "I'm proud of myself for trying!" and encourage your child to do the same. You can also create a "Positive Self-Talk Jar" where your child writes down kind statements about themselves and reflects on them regularly.

Finally, providing opportunities for autonomy is a powerful way to cultivate confidence in children. When we give our child choices and allow them to make decisions, we send a clear message that we trust and believe in them. Satrangi Gurukul suggests that children who were given autonomy in their daily lives were more likely to develop a sense of self-confidence and self-efficacy. To encourage autonomy, try offering choices like "Do you want to wear the blue shirt or the green shirt today?" or "Do you want to play with blocks or puzzles?" This simple yet effective technique can help your child feel more in control and confident in their decision-making abilities.

Cultivating early confidence in children is a multifaceted approach that requires patience, consistency, and creativity. By focusing on effort, not just talent, creating a safe space for self-expression, embracing failure, encouraging positive self-talk, and providing opportunities for autonomy, we can empower our children to develop a strong sense of self-confidence that will serve them well throughout their lives. Remember, confidence is not something that our children either have or don't have – it's something that can be developed and nurtured over time with the right approach.

What if you could uncover the hidden potential within your child? What if you could gain a deeper understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, and inclinations?

Satrangi Gurukul's https://satrangigurukul.wixsite.com/onlineschool/vidyaarambh School readiness assessment program can help you do just that. It's not just a program or a test - it's a way to gain insight into your child's mind and create a personalized learning plan that sets them up for success.

Are you ready to take the first step on a journey that could change your child's life forever? and discover your child.