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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

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

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.

let them be themselves

Gently encourage them to try new things, very small steps outside their comfort zone, so they learn how capable they are. Don't let them hear you describe them as shy, timid or lacking in confidence. If you always talk about them as being brave and capable they'll believe it.

Praise achievements, no matter how small. Meeting small milestones will lead to an appetite for tackling more complex challenges, boosting self-esteem and reassuring your child that they have everything they need to approach things and achieve them.

Never ever embarrass a child or make fun of them, also do not give false praise - we all (children included) can tell when it isn't deserved, instead find something real to praise - there is always something. Always listen with your full attention and, as everyone on Gransnet knows - always keep your promises to children!

get them smiling

I think the best thing is to start with something that you know they will enjoy and you know they will be able to do. Confidence building starts with the small things then you can build up to tackling harder things. Be an encourager and use encouraging language, reassure them that they are doing the right thing and share their moments of sucess with them!

Don'y over-praise. Encourage children to set themselves a goal of something they would like to achieve. Let them take small risks whilst you are overseeing the situation from a safety point of view.

Always listen to them and let the express themselves. If they are doing something wrong try to explain it through with them. Always praise where praise is due x

Focus on the glass half full

Listen to them, speak to them at their level so you are not talking down to them. Praise achievements and don't brush off disappointments, allow them to express their feelings.

Get down to their level. Try to remember the frustration you felt as a child. Remember that their level of reasoning is not the same as yours

listen to them & let them help make decisions even if it's just which game to play, telling them what a great decision they have made always brings a big confident smile to my son's face!

Praise them for things well done, no matter how small.

Praise everything creative or brave they do and encourage them to not worry about what others think. I always used to be shy when I was younger but around my own kids I'm constantly being silly, singing and dancing, (even though I often feel a little uncomfortable), but I want to encourage them not to worry about what others think.

As a grandparent, I treat them with respect and love, listen to them and confide in them so they feel very grown up and wanted.

Listen to them. Explain to them the reasons why you are punishing them .Give praise when they do something good. Always take interest when they are speaking to you. Tell them you love them. Tell them to think of other people feelings.

I think it's important to socialise children from a young age with playgroups and nursery. Make sure you listen to them and give them the attention they need.

I try to talk to small children without using baby language and cooing at them. I remember my Dad telling me I had lovely strong hands like a pianist when I was very small. There's always something positive to say and it can help with their confidence.

Expose them to new experiences and places. Overseas travel is brilliant for young children's development and is a real confidence booster!

Allowing children to do things for themselves boosts their confidence. Giving them the space to make mistakes and the encouragement to keep trying and not give up is great for their self esteem too.

be truthful, they know if they have not done something well, but be prepared to show them how to improve.keep interested in them and keep them interested in the world.

Help them unleash their imagination and support them to let it grow through play. When a child is lost in story and exploration, they have little concept of self esteem. Yet, the encouragement of this type of play can boost confidence as they can explore a variety of situations in a safe way.