From the time that they’re little, kids are told that they are wonderful, special, and loved. You might think that all of that would translate into a kid who’s confident in themself, but that’s not always the case. Some people have a little more trouble finding confidence in themselves. They have to build it. So what can be done to help?
Affirmations
Some people swear by practicing affirmations while others are convinced that they’re a bunch of nonsense. The trick with affirmations is that for them to be effective, the statement has to be something that at least some part of the person saying them believes. As a parent, you can help your child identify things that are good about them and turn them into affirmations. There are a ton of different affirming statements that can be used to help build confidence. Looking in the mirror as the statements are said helps them feel more real and get internalized better.
Smiling
Everyone wants to feel good about their smile. If you don’t, it’s tough to feel confident when you smile. Practicing in the mirror can be a good way to find a smile that you’ll feel good about, whether you’re a kid or an adult. Mirror practice is a great opportunity to try different ways of smiling to find and practice favorite smiles. Beyond that, good dental care can go a long way towards having an awesome smile. If regular dental care isn’t enough, an orthodontist may be able to help. Orthodontics covers a range of services that can improve the appearance of a smile.
Posture
A person’s posture says a lot about how they’re feeling. The funny thing that you may not realize is that it goes the other way too. How you hold yourself posturally impacts how you feel. Give it a try. Start with a less powerful posture. Hunch your shoulders and slouch. Cross one arm in front of you like you’re hugging yourself. You could even lower your head for good measure. It doesn’t feel very powerful, does it? It might leave you feeling timid. Now try the opposite. Straighten your back. Lift your chin so that it’s parallel with the floor. Lift your chest, take a wider stance with your feet, and put your hands on your hips, cross them behind your head, or even raise them in a “V” shape over your head. That feels a lot more powerful and confident, doesn’t it? While the posture itself isn’t going to have any magical effect, the way it can help you feel empowered can help you feel more confident in yourself.
Confidence in yourself can be a real blessing to have. It’s a trait that can see you through just about any scenario life throws at you. Kids and adults alike can benefit from practicing things like affirmations, smiling, and their posture in the mirror to help them build their confidence. Just remember to be consistent in practicing.
Read this next: 6 Signs Your Child is Lacking Confidence
