Kids start learning from the moment they’re born. They must learn basic life skills like eating, sleeping, and walking, but that’s not all. They must also build character, and that’s easier said than done. Without a doubt, any parent wants their child to be confident. To achieve it, a sense of confidence must be fostered from a very early age. So, how can parents ensure their kids are self-confident?

A Professional Opinion

Parents can follow the advice of Roseanne Lesack, Ph.D. – a child psychologist and director of the Unicorn Children’s Foundation Clinic at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. She said the following three things will definitely help:

Tie Ethics With Success

Parents must learn that building a healthy work ethic in their child is far more important than winning a soccer game or getting straight A’s at school. In other words, one needs to make kids feel that effort is much more valuable than result. Of course, that doesn’t mean one shouldn’t praise success. Don’t make the kid feel ashamed if they’ve tried and failed. Once a parent teaches their child that effort is more valuable than success, they get one step closer to raising a confident adult.

Be Confident in Order to Build Their Self-Esteem

Confident children come from parents who value themselves. One shouldn’t be shy or ashamed to talk about their qualities as a person. Talk about your successes and accomplishments. When you’ve achieved a goal, Lesack says, you can emphasize that you’ve accomplished it after a lot of hard work and dedication. She also suggests that parents must model positive self-talk to build a sense of self-confidence. As you know, children absorb everything. They’ll definitely absorb such positive behavior.

Compliment Kids on Their Skills

Confident children appreciate their skills. Of course, parents must teach their kids to value their skills. Don’t just say, “You’re great,” while your kid plays a soccer game. Instead, find specific things you really liked in their game and emphasize things like, “I really liked the footwork you did just before scoring the second goal.” Compliment a kid on key moments during their game, or any other activity, for that matter. In addition, Lesack suggests presenting kids with the chance to appreciate their strengths with specificity.

Of course, those three things are not everything you need to do to build confidence in a kid. Things are more complex than that. Think of what makes you feel confident, and you’ll get a clear picture of what you need to do to make your kids value themselves.

The fall season is full of magic and gorgeous colors. It’s so many people’s favorite time of the year because that’s when the weather gets just chilly enough to have some quality family time and enjoy hot beverages! People often try and think of things to do with the whole family — so how about trying out these few suggestions?

Have a Picnic in the Park

Wouldn’t it be lovely if a picnic in the park ends up on your list of things to do? That’s a great way to enjoy quality time with the entire family while sitting cozy on a blanket in the park, enjoying the warm sun, and picking topic after topic to discuss. It’s a fun activity for everyone — it takes you away from the stress and gives you an enjoyable few hours in nature!

Choose the Perfect Pumpkin

Going pumpkin picking is a perfect way to spend a family afternoon. It’s an activity that’s certainly enjoyable for the children, but it’s also a fun time for everyone in the family! Choose a pumpkin patch right outside of town, dress warm, grab some hot chocolate, and let your children run free, trying to get the perfect pumpkin for a tasty dessert or cool decoration!

Things to Do? How About Apple Picking?

It’s more than just an enjoyable activity to go apple picking — it’s an outdoor activity that gets everyone breathing fresh air! You’re also doing some light exercise which is good for the body and the soul. Go online and find the perfect local orchard, free up some time for everyone on the weekend, and enjoy the warm rays and the fresh fall air! Also, having some freshly-picked apples afterward sounds like a fun bonus.

Have a Walk Through Nature

Nowadays, so much time in the children’s lives is spent indoors, going to school, and coming back home. It would certainly be refreshing to take a step outside, as a family, and take a walk around town or the nearest park! Children would enjoy running around in the fresh outdoors, it’s great exercise, and definitely fun!

Have a Game Match in the Yard

This is a very simple activity to enjoy with the children. Get some balls, ropes, and toys, and think of a fun game for everyone to enjoy! Hide something around the yard and have the children try and find it. Race to get the ball from the furthest corner. Enjoy the warm weather and the beauty of falling leaves!

There is so much to do and enjoy with your children in the wonderful season of the fall! The weather is beautiful, the sun shines bright and the air is crisp and chilly. Don’t neglect the outdoors — choose a different activity every moment and have fun together!