Can Toddlers Have Too Much Self-Confidence?

Significance

• A 2-year-old who believes in herself and feels secure in her environment is more likely to be well mannered, according to Healthy Children, the official website of the American Academy of Pediatrics. A confident and exuberant toddler is all about testing limits, whether she is testing her limits or your limits. "I'll climb to the top of the chair and jump to the floor," she proudly proclaims. Yet a few minutes later, she might say, "If I keep saying park I'll get to go," knowing that if she wears you out, you will take her to the park. Confidence aside, toddlers need protection her from potentially dangerous acts, like trying to run up a slide or dash out into the street to pet a cat. In short, a toddler has more confidence than foresight.

Safety Net

• "Me do it" is an expression many parents of toddlers hear repeatedly. A toddler may prefer to do things ̶0;All by myself." It is doubtful that "Go away" is on his short list of phrases, regardless of his determination and self-confidence. Although your inquisitive toddler wants to figure out how things work -- whether it is a lamp or a laptop -- he is comforted by knowing that mommy and daddy will keep him out of harm's way. Trusting that parents are a "safe base" encourages a toddler to keep exploring, explains Zero to Three, a website published by the National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families.

Caught in the Middle

• A confident toddler is caught between pushing for more independence to succeed on her own with one hand clinging to the apron strings. Despite her many gains such as self-feeding, talking and walking, the nagging feeling that she is still mommy's baby linger on, infant-toddler psychologist Rahil Briggs, tells WebMD.

Outlook

• Don̵7;t confuse a healthy amount of confidence or self-worth with arrogance or narcissism. As your toddler grows and develops, his self-assured attitude will allow him to more objectively see his strong points and areas of weakness. A child's self-esteem comes not only from self-perception but also from how he thinks others see him. The building blocks of self-worth become increasingly evident when your toddler becomes a preschooler. For example, a 3- to 5-year old learns about himself by observing his parents' reactions. Your child will naturally gain more confidence when your response is positive.