As parents, we want our children to grow up feeling secure, confident, and capable. But in today’s world—where uncertainty, fast-paced routines, and social pressures are at an all-time high—many parents worry about how to instill resilience in their little ones.
At the preschool age, children are learning to navigate emotions, solve problems, identify security, all while developing a sense of independence. Helping them build faith in Christ that brings confidence now sets the stage for a lifetime of faith based confidence and the desire to persevere. Here’s how you can support your preschooler in becoming a Christ filled, resilient, confident child:
1️⃣ Let Them Try (and Sometimes Fail)
It can be tempting to jump in and fix things for our kids, but allowing them to struggle a little fosters problem-solving skills. Instead of immediately tying their shoes or zipping up their jacket, encourage them to try first. Then offer to help. Praise their effort rather than just the outcome! Most importantly, parents pray for your child and the Godly wisdom to know how to support them and guide them while they are growing and developing their independence and confidence.
2️⃣ Encourage Decision-Making
Give your child small choices throughout the day—like picking between two outfits or deciding which fruit to eat for a snack. When kids feel like they have a say, they develop confidence in their ability to make decisions. Teaching them to pray over some of the decisions will instill in them the knowledge that they have a helper in Christ that can guide their decisions.
3️⃣ Normalize Mistakes
Teach your child that mistakes are part of learning. If they spill their drink, calmly say, “Oops! Let’s clean it up together,” rather than expressing frustration. This helps them understand that errors are not failures but opportunities to improve. They learn that mistakes and accidents are not the end of the world, nor do they make us “bad”.
4️⃣ Use Positive Language
Replace “Be careful!” with “Move Carefully” or “Use both hands.” This shifts their focus from fear of failure to confidence in their ability to succeed. Words matter—so speak life and encouragement into their learning experiences.Teach them that with Christ, they can do all things!
5️⃣ Help Them Manage Big Emotions
Confidence grows when kids know how to handle their feelings. Encourage your preschooler to name their emotions and express them in healthy ways. Instead of saying, “Stop crying,” try, “I see you’re feeling upset. Do you need a hug?”. Then ask your child if they would like you to pray with them. Turning to Christ in prayer teaches our littles from the beginning that God is our ultimate guide, counselor, helper and friend. That he cares about them in every way.
6️⃣ Foster a Growth Mindset
Help your child understand that they can get better at things with practice. Phrases like “You’re working hard!” or “Look how much better you did that!” reinforce the idea that effort leads to growth.Remember that developing the habit of praying every night with your child gives them the foundation of knowing praying over everything keeps them growing with Christ too!
7️⃣ Give Them Responsibilities
Even small tasks like setting the table, praying over dinner, feeding a pet, or putting toys away give children a sense of accomplishment. It helps them feel capable and builds self-worth.
The Bottom Line: Confidence Starts at Home
Every child is different, and confidence grows in stages. By fostering a loving, safe, prayerfully supportive environment where your child feels valued and capable, you are laying the groundwork for them to tackle life’s challenges with courage. Most importantly, they learn that they can do anything when they know that they have a helper in Christ and are never alone.
What are some ways you encourage confidence in your preschooler? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Kommentare