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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.

saffronbeer Fri 10-Jun-16 18:24:20

simple really , let them know they are loved and that its ok to make a mistake, the person who never made a mistake never mades anything .

Joannecc Fri 10-Jun-16 18:40:48

Just be open with them and let them know they can get all to you about anything

cinders59 Fri 10-Jun-16 19:27:48

I took them to playgroups this encouraged them to play with children the same age, it boosts their confidence

flossy1973 Fri 10-Jun-16 19:34:07

Give them positive attention as much as possible but also discipline them when they misbehave. If you praise them enough their confidence will go through the roof?!

ab07 Fri 10-Jun-16 19:47:52

It all starts with praise i think, and even if they have't got something quite right, found something within that task they did to praise them for first and then say but maybe we could change (whatever it is) this next time.so they always hear the positive and then dont mine the change part. It builds their confidence greatly.

peakfault Fri 10-Jun-16 20:22:51

Always reinforce when they do something well or right and don't use negative language around them.

Lorelei Fri 10-Jun-16 20:43:07

Don't complicate things - don't talk down to children (try to lower yourself if needs be to keep eye contact during dicussions) - try to praise a lot more than you criticise, and if you do need to, try to use constructive criticism and give them the chance to speak whilst you listen - talking 'at' them rather than 'with' them will only bring negativity. I also think it's important to make yourself available so that the children know they can approach you, ask questions, put their point of view forward etc. Show trust and respect and chances are you will have respoectful and trustworthy children smile

sazza31 Fri 10-Jun-16 20:53:19

I'm very aware when my children need extra attention, especially in areas they aren't as confident. I find praising them, and rewarding them is a real confidence boost.

simontink Fri 10-Jun-16 21:00:58

Never discourage them and even when they are struggling and its easier to do things yourself eg dressing give them encouragemtn and let them do at own pace. Tell them everyday how much you love them and encourage them to express their feelings

caroll1234 Fri 10-Jun-16 21:01:36

Just tell them how great there are, how precious they are. Cheer for every little achievement! And just love them and squizee every night!

Annie146 Fri 10-Jun-16 21:15:23

Lots of praise and making time to listen

Grannymoz Fri 10-Jun-16 21:29:11

Make them feel safe, don't pander to them and show them how to make friends. Mostly they need love

Harris27 Fri 10-Jun-16 21:53:40

Explain that you love them that you will always be here to listen and not criticise. Children need love warmth and understanding give them your presence not 'presents' use laughter and humour and a spoon ful of happiness to make them laugh and make their day!

Clairescottshug95 Fri 10-Jun-16 22:01:03

Let them learn from mistakes and support the learning! It's ok to make them- everybody does! It's what you do with it :-)

glennamy Fri 10-Jun-16 22:08:45

Lots of encouragement and a nice stable homelife... I think this is what is causing lots of the problems these days!

pfcpompeysarah Fri 10-Jun-16 22:09:33

Listen to children, don't talk down to them and make sure they know their opinion is valued. I think security and stability are essential in making children feel confident, as well as encouragement and reassurance that so long as they do their best then you can ask for nothing more.

annarack Fri 10-Jun-16 22:18:26

Listen to and speak to them as mini adults

Lydia30 Fri 10-Jun-16 22:34:17

The first step to a confident child is a confident parent. Build up your own confidence and your child will follow suit

zeenie Sat 11-Jun-16 08:01:12

always be encouraging, never belittle their dreams

franklintuesday Sat 11-Jun-16 08:26:30

Always have time to listen - then don't pass judgement.

strawberrinan Sat 11-Jun-16 09:00:45

No question is wrong and you should never allow your children to feel embarrassed to speak to you. If a child comes to you with an age-inappropriate question try to answer it to the best of your ability - even if it's not fully answering it. This will prevent them from looking elsewhere such as the internet. Never let arguments fester - kids should always know you love them even when they are in trouble. Actually, really strong parenting boundaries encourage this. My daughter is now 12 and she understands that the boundaries I put in place were for her own good. Finally, always be parent first, friend very much second. As a parent you are in such a priviliged position that you should be the first person your children come to when they need something.

clareken Sat 11-Jun-16 09:01:09

Love them for who they are, listen to what they are not saying as much as to what they are.

Dannydog1 Sat 11-Jun-16 09:03:44

Make sure that what you give them to do is achievable
Don't say they are naughty but what they did was
Love, praise and encouragement

lilihu Sat 11-Jun-16 09:08:52

Don't criticise them in front of others. It can lead to insecurities later on, especially in sensitive children. It's amazing how many parents talk negatively about their children right in front of them.

Nanalou Sat 11-Jun-16 09:10:26

Talk to them about anything and everything. Listen to what they have to say. Answer their questions. Reassure them.