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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

raeb83 Thu 16-Jun-16 20:18:42

Give them some responsibility. Put them in charge of feeding the dog or take them food shopping and get them to find ingredients for a meal of their choosing.

ravengirl Sat 18-Jun-16 15:21:47

Say yes more then no. This gives the child a sense that they have some control over their little lives.
Also don't let your fears and worries become theirs. If they want to go on the super scary big slide let them atleast time.

cornergran Sun 19-Jun-16 00:05:25

See the world through their eyes, listen, accept them as they are, help them understand that opinions are just that, they are not fact. Help them accept failure as well as success and not to hang their personal value on success. Think with them about appropriate responsibility particularly help them, to see that they are not responsible for the feelings of others. That it is all right to be who they are.

ajanela Sun 19-Jun-16 18:26:42

Encourage, praise and support.

Very important to support them and encourage when they feel they can't do something then help them take little steps to achievement praising each small step. Lots of little steps make one big achievement.

mrsaishakhan Sun 19-Jun-16 18:27:05

A good way it to take them shopping ask their advice on products or thoughts and get them to pay for things or ask if price is right.

ha2el Sun 19-Jun-16 19:07:29

It is important not to criticise small children or put them down. By all means correct them but speak kindly,encourage them to speak by asking questions and explain things clearly and gently. Giving them this experience will help them learn to speak and enquire about the world with confidence and nurture their curiosity, their debating skills and verbalise their point of view.

mandydoherty65 Sun 19-Jun-16 20:20:02

Don't label you child e.g. shy as these very often become the way a child perceives themselves, I was constantly told I was shy/quiet as a child and I lacked confidence for years. I always encouraged my children to participate in activities and to try new things and they have all grown into confident adults.

steamy100 Sun 19-Jun-16 21:20:25

My little niece goes to dance classes on Friday mornings. It's done wonders for her confidence.

chrismse1 Mon 20-Jun-16 10:24:35

Lots of cuddles and listen to what they are saying. When mine were small we used to have a `five minutes` each talk time at the dinner table. I done this to encourage my very shy daughter to actually talk in a group. It did help

annemac101 Mon 20-Jun-16 11:12:43

Always take time to listen to them. If they want to try something by themselves like carry their cup of juice into another room or carry a plate then let them what is the worst that can happen? Juice on the floor. As long as it's not dangerous let them have a go. Praise them and never belittle or let anyone else belittle anything they try to do.

Tkw2014 Mon 20-Jun-16 13:35:12

Listening to them and giving lots of praise. Not doing everything for them, but supporting while they find out things for themselves.

lolarabbit Mon 20-Jun-16 17:18:16

Find out what interests them and then develop that interest together so that they can become an 'expert' - whether it's knowing about dinosaurs or guinea pigs, riding a bike or baking a cake, nothing increases confidence and self-esteem more than achieving a goal. Learn along with them and make mistakes so that they know that it's okay to get things wrong. Praise their achievements (but not incessantly as it becomes meaningless) and give them small-step challenges so they can keep on developing their skills. Most of all be patient, positive and good-humoured and let them be themselves.

Direne3 Mon 20-Jun-16 19:22:18

Find ways to gently encourage them to conquer any fears that they may have and then demonstrate how much you respect their achievement.

Venus Tue 21-Jun-16 13:56:16

I never talk down to my grandchildren. They enjoy our conversations and if they don't understand a word, I explain. I think of them as 'little people' and I think it builds their confidence by treating them as individuals. If they do something well, I tell them so. If they could do better, I tell them that too.

daisybeebee Tue 21-Jun-16 18:54:58

Let them know that you love them unconditionally .
Let them be involved in taking age appropriate decisions, and always listen and respect what they have to say.
Encourage them to try lots of activities and support them through their successes and disappointments.
Be a confident adult and don't let them see you unable to cope. As a parent you are your child's main role model.
Encourage them to take risks and make sure they know that they cannot be good at everything and give them examples of what you are good at & less good at.
Be open and honest and encourage your child to talk to you, make time every day for a quiet chat so they know you are always there if needed.

Grannyshoes Wed 22-Jun-16 10:29:54

Give them easy tasks to do and shower them with praise,like watering the plants,and giving them their own flower or vegetable to look after,they will feel very proud watching it grow

ediepop Wed 22-Jun-16 10:39:41

A way to build confidence is role play like a dentist visit, step by step so there's no surprises to the child. They can ask questions about anything there unsure of in the comfort of their home. Its the unknown that creates fear so role-play is very helpful and be done by everyone.

lizm Thu 23-Jun-16 10:18:16

Make time to listen to them and encourage them to do things with you

Anya Thu 23-Jun-16 11:07:16

Encourage a 'I Can Do' attitude to life.

eg I can dress myself, put on my shoes, feed myself, reach the light switch, jump off the step........etc.

HannahI15 Thu 23-Jun-16 18:15:40

Anything new they do, especially without prompting or guidance, reward with with great praise.

wallers5 Fri 24-Jun-16 11:28:05

Praise when praise is due. Listen to them. Love & cuddle them. Be fair & firm.