3 ways to build confidence through play

Confidence in young children rarely comes from praise alone. It grows when they try something a little hard, stay with it, and see it work. Play is the easiest place for that to happen.

First, let them take small, safe risks. Climbing a low frame or balancing on a line of tape gives a child a chance to say, I did that. Stand close, but let them do the work.

Second, offer open-ended materials like blocks, fabric and clay. There is no wrong answer, so there is nothing to fail at.

Third, play together in a group. Taking turns, helping a friend and being helped back all teach a child that they belong.