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Endless love, measured praise, reasoned discipline - help them understand their unique and valued contribution to the world in which they live.

always encourage and help them to have a go

My tip for the day.
If small children have a particular and ,to us, illogical fear, don't make an issue of it or force them to face up to it. Instead try to use your imagination to find another way round it. My older grandson had a horror of hand driers in public toilets. It wasn't just that he wouldn't use them but his fear was so great that he ran out screaming if someone else used one. It became tricky to take him out anywhere until we invented the character of Dragon Hotbreath, the sad dragon who just wanted to help people but always cried because people were afraid to use his nice warm breath to dry their hands...

My daughter carries in her pocket a little toy Lioness, and when she feels as if she is struggling, (she is very nervous of meeting new people and having to talk out loud) she holds the Lioness and feels confident, I told her that the Lioness, is always calm, but when she needs to be, she can become fearless, and it seems to be working xx

Teach them respect for others by treating people 'how you would want them to treat you'.

Also giving them the opportunity to learn ballet, gynastics, or play musical instruments, can all give children confidence in their abilities. Brownies and Scouts also give children confidence, social skills and introduce them to new interests.

Unconditional love and lots of praise when merited. Always make time to listen to them and try to take their worries and concerns seriously. Give them plenty of different experiences (outdoor activities, music, drama) so that they can find something they enjoy doing, Above all, make time to read to them for a wide variety of shared experiences that can be talked about and explored.

Just one thing: Listen!
They might not know how to express how they're feeling about something so it's up to you to listen and to help them get across their emotions. Don't tell them off if they get emotional and don't try to make them feel as though it's something to be ashamed of.
Encourage openess and give them the tools they need to communicate their feelings.

Ive always believed in positive reinforcement. My grandson is autistic so his behaviour can be challenging however encouraging him to do a task seems to work.

Listen, encourage, kiss, hug and support. I'm pushing 60 but my father's put downs and nasty remarks still rankle and ruined my confidence. Tried to do better with my children, and now with my grandchildren. Praise does wonders!

You find as many things they can join in with and have a go at as possible, celebrate their successes and brush over the bits that don't go to plan. Having a go lets them find out they can do lots of things!

Give them tools to outwit the bullies. Good choice of language - not swearing !!

My son was being bullied and I told him to say 'may the fleas of a thousand camels infested your armpits'.A wonderful Arab curse.

The boy who was bullying him was completely side swiped and left him alone after that.

wonderful
I love than analogy

Never ever tell a child that they can't do something or that they're doing it wrong (whatever it is). If a child is trying to do something encourage them, but don't jump in to try to "help". Let them do it in their own time. My friend's daughter, at the age of three, happily wore odd socks, tops and trousers that didn't match and sometimes, even odd shoes. But the important thing was that she learned to dress herself, instead of waiting for her mum to do it.

Always listen to their concerns and don't talk down to them or brush off what really concerns them as something trivial.

I believe in the power of praise and re-inforce and concentrate on positive behaviour rather than negative

Don't ever use the word "shy". My mother, bless her, would introduce me by saying "this is my daughter, she's very shy". Consequently I wasn't expected to talk to anyone. This shyness has stayed with me all my life. With my own children I used to say I thought they were really confident, and came across that way. They were boosted by thinking they appeared to be confident, and are now outgoing adults.

Encourage, encourage, encourage, literally be their very own cheerleader! I also encourage her to join lots of classes like drama and different sports, which helps her gain confidence with bigger groups, socialising is a great way to gain confidence and overcome shyness

Although keeping them safe is important,don't be overprotective as that can make them fearful of trying new things. Give them choices about what to do and listen to their opinions. Try not to show disappointment if they don't choose the activity you would most enjoy.

Don't let them win at games until they deserve it. That way, they won't lose confidence when playing with others.

Always praise them for what they do even the small things i tell my sons everyday they can be anything that they want to be and they are now so confident

Encourage them to take risks and push beyond their comfort boundaries - though not unsafe ones, of course! - and talk about what might or might not be the outcome of their choices. Gently, and with compassion, help them to know their strength in facing and dealing with both disappointments and delights, understanding that both are natural part of living.

If someone had done that with me when I was a child, I'd have developed more self-reliance and confidence than I have now!

Support them in anything they want to do. Never say they cant do something unless there is a really good reason. Let them make as many decisions for themselves as possible and only insist they follow your instructions when they really need to. My children sometimes made odd meal or clothes choices but it really boosts their confidence and independence not to have their choices made for them

praise children at small achievements like tying their shoelaces or reading aloud a book perfectly, so they know they have a talent at something, because if you were like me hopeless at sport, last in a race you can feel an under achiever

Small voices, big hearts
Small voices, slow starts
Small voices, dreaming big dreams
Small voices, reaching for moonbeams
Small voices can be whatever they choose
Small voices shouldn't be afraid to loose
Small voices shout loud and proud
Small voices will someday woo the crowd
Small voices, the world will know your name
Small voices, life will never be the same
Small voices, I truly love you
Small voices, I hope you knew
My love only grew, and grew, AND GREW!

We always used to encourage and play games and get them involved

tell them every day how beautiful they are.