Love them unconditionally and show your love . Be consistent in your expectations but always give explanations. Have fun together and share experiences. Never underestimate their powers of observation, understanding and communication. Talk to them, explain things, ask them questions. Give them opportunities to take responsibility, to make decisions,to 'help' you, to do things together, to do things independently but with your support. Give them your time...read with them, play with them, explore places together, relax together. Small children are like sponges....the more they absorb, the more they understand about life and their place in the world, the more confident they become.