How Do a Toddler's Parents Help Him Feel Confident?

Start Early

• Building your toddler's confidence actually begins when he is a baby. When you are responsive to his needs, he learns that someone listens to him, helping him form a stronger self-image. When your baby feels connected to you, he knows what to expect. According to the Ask Dr. Sears website, during the first two years of life, your baby's brain is growing quickly and forming patterns of association. When he has had many positive experiences and interactions, he learns to feel secure and confident with himself.

Develop Self-awareness

• One of the biggest milestones a toddler reaches is his sense of self-awareness, or the understanding that he is his own person separate from you, according to the Zero to Three website. Once he has this awareness, he can think about himself and his actions' impact on the world around him and have the understanding that he is capable of doing things on his own. You can help him develop this by pointing out the results of his actions by saying things such as, "You helped me put away the toys. That makes me so happy!" or "I know it's hard when you don't get to do what you want, but it's not ok to hit. That hurts." When your toddler has a sense of self-awareness, he can use what he knows about himself to be successful.

Allow Independence

• Parents of toddlers will often hear the words "I do it myself," from their little ones. While it is important to supervise him for his safety, you should also allow him the opportunity to try something new, even if he makes some mistakes along the way. Though he may make a mess and it may take longer for him to complete a task, having patience and understanding will help him learn that he can do things on his own, boosting his self-confidence. If you swoop in and fix things for him right away, he will begin to think he is not capable and may even stop trying. Zero to Three also recommends breaking big tasks down into manageable steps to help your toddler feel more confident that he will be able to complete them.

Offer Support and Encouragement

• Though a toddler wants to do many things by himself, his developing skills don't always allow him to complete tasks independently the first time. This frustration can often lead to giving up. You can be there to encourage him to try again or offer support for the challenging parts, helping him learn that he can overcome obstacles. According to KidsHealth, you should praise not only the outcome, but also the effort and your little one's willingness to stick with it. Recognize positive steps and progress he has made by saying things such as, "Oh, that puzzle piece didn't fit there. Good job for trying to put it somewhere else," or "You have stacked five blocks. How many more do you think we can put on this tower?"