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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.

carolboz Thu 16-Jun-16 16:52:15

Listening and actually taking on board what they say and encouraging and building up their skills in what ever they have a natural aptitude for. Every one has something that they are better at than anything else, the trick is to find that and help them believe in themselves.

Lottie2tiger Thu 16-Jun-16 15:38:34

Ask them lots of questions about there day, school, what they are up to as it makes them feel included and special. Save some time for a cuddle and to ask about their day and what they would like to do tomorrow.
My son used to get really frustrated within himself if he couldn't do something, the words you can do anything, keep trying but take it slow ill wait with you seemed to really help.

cC21 Thu 16-Jun-16 12:57:56

Listen to them.....treat them as small adults. Their worries may seem huge to them.....please don't laugh at their mistakes.... and love them unconditionally.
Encourage and join in their games...let them know winning isn't everything.

sylwright Thu 16-Jun-16 12:53:52

My oldest grandson is only 4 but I always listen to whatever he tells me and offer answers he can understand for any questions he asks me. Most of all I always let him know that he is loved no matter what. Also give lots of cuddles when he lets me.

bowleaze Thu 16-Jun-16 12:06:11

Don't ever tell a child they are stupid or silly - praise them and listen to them. Every child is different but they all love to be praised!!

TONKATOL Thu 16-Jun-16 11:11:28

Listening to what they have to say is very important and being honest is also important. If a child asks why x is better at something than him/her, it is better to explain that everyone has different strengths and that perhaps x has had more practice, rather than dismiss it or say it isn't true. At the same time, it is easy to help build their confidence by pointing out something your child/grandchild is good at. Also, listening to them chattering away is often how worries or problems are picked up.

sputnicki63 Thu 16-Jun-16 09:42:21

It's so important to listen to youngsters but equally important to be seen to be listening. Get down to their level, stop what you're doing, look at them with a non-judgemental expression and listen.

stewaris Thu 16-Jun-16 06:50:17

Listen to their worries and needs, make sure they have lots of friends and if they have siblings, especially older ones, they are allowed to do things for themselves. Spend time with them and do lots of different things together and just let them kno they are loved.

mamariches Wed 15-Jun-16 21:45:29

Praise your child, give them the confidence to keep trying.

Annie29 Wed 15-Jun-16 21:35:48

Always listen to them and show them you are by making eye contact.
Praise them for both achievement and for trying. Give them time and show them love.
Never be negative about them or around them.
Positive,positive +++

myzdamena72 Wed 15-Jun-16 16:42:48

I let them talk at their own pace. I often see youngsters being butted in on by older children or adults that 'know what they were going to say' .. Well do but please let them finish lol....??

Take everything they say seriously, don't belittle them for something that to you doesn't seem important or worth worrying about.mthey are worried about it so it's important to them, let them say everything and then put them at their ease about the situation if necessary

Praise all the good or positive things they do and if it's not earth shattering ignore the worse behaviour. Of course if it is liable to hurt them or other people then I don't mean that ?

Xx

jackiemc24 Wed 15-Jun-16 16:42:45

Never compare compare a child with anyone else. They are all unique and special

LynnKnowles Wed 15-Jun-16 12:39:16

Give each one time as an individual - X

imacmum Wed 15-Jun-16 11:40:50

Kneel down so you are at their level and can look them in the eye, give them a job to do that you know they can achieve and praise them when it's done. Don't tell them they can't do something, if they want to go up the climbing frame when they're one year old, concentrate on helping them with placing their feet on the bars so they learn to do it for themselves, you will be glad you did when they are older

Morgie52 Tue 14-Jun-16 20:56:27

Tell them how much they are loved, how special they are and that they should always believe in themselves!

kamoc Tue 14-Jun-16 17:07:15

try and talk to them not in a patronising way always boost their confidence with polite and caring words

albertina Tue 14-Jun-16 15:49:59

Catch them being good !

Direne3 Tue 14-Jun-16 15:48:28

Have respect for yourself and those around you who are deserving of it.

Reebs456 Tue 14-Jun-16 13:37:27

Praise them
Cuddle them
Tell them you love them
Don't push them if scared but show them you are with them
Encourage them to be anything they want

juliea333 Tue 14-Jun-16 11:39:54

I always keep a star chart on the wall and reward the kids with a star every time they do something nice,good etc. Each week they can either cash in their stars for a small treat or save them upfor a bigger one. They love it

izbiz88 Tue 14-Jun-16 11:04:32

Make sure you focus on their positive attributes and achievements more than their failings and mistakes. It's so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day moans and arguments. Really really listen to them - children are so perceptive and they know when you're paying lip service to them. By really taking an interest in what they're saying you're letting them know they're worth listening to.

sammyislost Tue 14-Jun-16 10:48:19

Praise them for the little things that you know they can find hard. I rewarded my son every day for going to reception without crying as he was so so shy. He soon had so much confidence as he was so proud of what he had achieved!

SuzC Tue 14-Jun-16 09:03:31

Don't treat them like idiots - be as truthful with them as you can, speaking about subjects at a level they understand. Encourage them to think and make choices for themselves.
Teach them to be realistic - we don't win or are the best at everything. Find what they are good at & passionate about and encourage them. Don't ever force them into doing anything or 'performing' for others.
Let them know it's okay to try things and sometimes fail or not like them - but they should never be afraid to try.
And above all else - let them know how much you love them and will always be there for them!

tigga Tue 14-Jun-16 08:00:39

when my children were small i used to let them help with the shopping and decision making on what to have for tea, i found this helps them gain confidence as they had their own shopping list.

Feelthefear Mon 13-Jun-16 23:53:00

Listen to your little one when they want to chat, ask open questions when they don't! Don't dwell on the negatives, make the most of the positives with lots of praise. It's not an easy thing to teach, but I think it's important to know that something like losing at a game or sport, or not coming top in a test isn't the end of the world :-)