Gransnet forums

Competitions

NOW CLOSED: Win £100 John Lewis voucher with The Lion Inside

(280 Posts)
KatGransnet (GNHQ) Thu 09-Jun-16 10:41:18

From the creator of the known and loved Bright Side lifestyle brand, Rachel Bright, and illustrator of Oi Frog!, Jim Field, comes a feel good rhyming story about one little mouse trying to make himself heard and discovering along the way that even the smallest of us can have the heart of a lion.

The Lion Inside is perfect for fans of Giraffes Can't Dance. This stylish book from two contemporary stars really is something to shout about - it will make you laugh, cry and want to read it every bedtime.

Share your tips for boosting confidence in small children on this thread below for a chance to win a £100 John Lewis voucher and a signed copy of The Lion Inside.

This competition ends midday on 8 July 2016.

The Lion Inside can be purchased online and from all good booksellers.

goose1964 Thu 07-Jul-16 08:02:11

let them be themselves

libra10 Thu 07-Jul-16 08:25:19

I find the best ways of helping young children gain confidence are to encourage and nurture their interests and skills. If they're good at drawing and painting, for example, admire certain aspects of their artwork, rather than the whole picture. This way they know that your compliment is genuine, rather than exaggerated.

It also helps If you can encourage them to solve their own problems rather than rushing in to help. For example, if another child has taken some of their Lego blocks. Rather than demanding the other child gives the blocks back, ask them how they think they can resolve the matter, and discuss different ways of dealing with the issue.

These are great ways of helping children to gain self esteem, and building confidence for the future.

chrisbishop55 Thu 07-Jul-16 09:55:11

Pay attention to them. Chat with them all the time - listen to what they say and turn everyday mundane stuff into fun and games.

cjh123 Thu 07-Jul-16 10:29:42

I treat all children like little people and mirror the treatment I like and expect. When I achieve I expect to be praised, when I smile at anyone I would like a smile back, when I do good I would like someone to recognise and congratulate me. 'Do unto others' whatever the age and confidence will naturally follow x

Daph Thu 07-Jul-16 10:45:55

Remember not to say "be careful or you will fall", instead "hold tight".
If you put in the idea of falling your child is more likely to

sylviagill Thu 07-Jul-16 11:06:54

Encourage them to help you do basic chores like cooking, baking and gardening, seeing things grow and producing their own food are confidence boosting and productive life skills.

silversand12 Thu 07-Jul-16 11:36:38

I would say make sure you remember to tell them when they're doing something well, and not just when they're playing up. It's so easy for the simple things you expect of them to slip by unnoticed, and then reprimand them for anything they do wrong. For example if they are sitting quietly being patient make sure you compliment them and tell them so smile There is nothing like praise for boosting confidence!

louiseyrollins Thu 07-Jul-16 12:04:33

Plenty of encouragement and praise. Telling them daily how useful and special they are

Lesevans6 Thu 07-Jul-16 13:56:09

Always show them how important they are to you, and hug them a lot.

Nana3 Thu 07-Jul-16 14:53:16

Listen to them, say yes when possible, encourage independence, praise when they are good, tell them you love them, set an example of kindness. Be positive.

keshimonster Thu 07-Jul-16 15:14:09

Take the time to listen to the child and congratulate him/her on what they have accomplished every time. oO not be disengaged from them by looking at your phone or television whilst they are trying to get your attention.

MARLSCOTT Thu 07-Jul-16 18:31:29

Raise a confident child by focusing your attention on the child during play. If your body is with your child but your mind is at work, your child will sense that you have tuned out, and neither one of you benefits from the time together. Your child loses the value of your being with her, concluding that she is not important. You lose the opportunity to learn about and enjoy your child—and to relearn how to play.
I remember the fun six-month-old Sarah and I had in our “play circle.” I sat her facing in front of me with a few favorite toys (mine and his) making a circle around her with my legs. This space contained her and provided support in case she, as a beginning sitter, started to topple sideways. Sarah had my undivided attention. She felt special and so did I. Making all those goofy baby noises is a lot of fun - Thanks for the Giveaway!

hughese Thu 07-Jul-16 18:42:05

Praise effort rather than achievement as that is what you want to encourage.

Kangakate Thu 07-Jul-16 19:54:01

Letting them make decisions, not major things, but 2 options that you wouldn't mind doing depending on what they choose

Sappysar Thu 07-Jul-16 19:59:57

Praise for even the smallest achievement goes a long way to boosting a child's confidence

Isis1981uk Thu 07-Jul-16 20:11:17

Actively listen when they talk - make eye contact & pay attention. Repeat back what they say to show you understand..it makes them feel important & respected.

baconbap Thu 07-Jul-16 20:27:08

always listen and encourage, but let them know it's ok to make mistakes

sas2688 Thu 07-Jul-16 20:36:52

Lots of praise and actively engage in what they are interested in. Listen to what they have to say. You may be the only one listening but to them it may feel they have the world as their audience

Weston127 Thu 07-Jul-16 20:42:46

All of the above and never ever let a day go by without telling them how much you love them.

basram21 Thu 07-Jul-16 21:07:39

Listen to what they have to say, answer their questions and always cheer on their successes and even if they don't succeed in some things, find the positives in what they did do.

tracyliz Thu 07-Jul-16 21:45:57

Always let them be brave and do things themselves like walking along the wall without you holding their hand...you know you are still a split second away from catching them if they fall but they will gain confidence by doing it themselves !

Penelopa024 Thu 07-Jul-16 22:45:05

Take interest in what they are saying.
Praise good behaviour and achievements .
Participate in their activities and allow them to take a lead role .

NicDav2012 Thu 07-Jul-16 22:55:20

You can boost a child's confidence by always giving them lots of praise and by taking the time to listen and talk to them.

rosie100 Thu 07-Jul-16 23:01:11

Try things out together- from skipping to egg and spoon races, Children love to watch and learn from a grown up they respect, so when they begin to copy the adult, lavish child with honest praise or show them how to get better until they are satisfied with the end result. You will be rewarded with big sunny smiles and a child that wants to try it out again and again

diva1977 Thu 07-Jul-16 23:11:39

Dont tell that what they doing is wrong. Instead show how they can do it better. Always listen and never criticise.
Instead of saying they wrong , tell them theres other ways to do things and then show them. Celebrate every success