Building Kids' Confidence

What do children need most to grow into healthy, successful adults? Self-confidence, say the experts.

What can parents do to bolster their children's self-confidence? Here are a few suggestions:

Accentuate the positive

Stop at least once a day to look for something you really like about your child, and then mention it to the youngster.

Start early

Building a child's self-esteem starts from birth. The key is "unconditional love." If a child feels a parent's affection, confidence will develop naturally.

Respect your child's rights

Remember that kids deserve the same respectful treatment that you would automatically extend to other adults. Some examples: Don't interrupt your child when he or she is trying to tell you something. Don't "borrow" a child's belongings without asking, and never belittle your children in front of their peers.