Children, like clay, shape themselves based on confidence, crucial for development. LEAD CEO Sumeet Mehta notes it's a mindset beyond social skills, involving trust in abilities. Contrary to misconceptions, it's not just about public speaking. Confidence stems from post-birth experiences, impacting happiness, resilience, and goal setting, as highlighted in an interview with Zee News English.Encourage Independence:Foster autonomy in children by engaging in open discussions, identifying priorities, and setting achievable goals together. Offer choices, encourage decision-making, and use a 'Protect vs Allow' framework to differentiate learning opportunities from potential harm.Promote a Growth Mindset:Emphasize effort over perfection, providing feedback focused on actions rather than labels. Guide them toward improvement when mistakes occur, fostering a mindset that views failures as steppingstones to growth.Shift the Comparison Anchor:Avoid comparing your child to others and instead focus on assessing their progress relative to past achievements. Cultivate a mindset of continuous self-improvement by encouraging them to recognize and appreciate their journey.Create Opportunities for Success:Seek out situations aligned with your child's interests or where success is likely. Providing opportunities for success enhances their confidence, reinforcing belief in their abilities.Demonstrate Self-Confidence:Lead by example with positive self-talk, healthy behaviors, and self-compassion. Avoid projecting insecurities onto them, allowing them to develop a strong foundation of self-assurance.Nurture and encouragement, like sunlight to a seedling, play a crucial role in shaping a child's confidence, paving the way for a future filled with boundless possibilities.
--Excerpts from Zee News