When it comes to building a child's confidence, boys and
girls are not necessarily created equal. Yes, both genders can suffer from low
self-esteem, and they can both benefit from a little extra praise. But because
boys tend to be less in touch with their emotions, it may take some subtler
methods to raise their self-esteem.
Here are a few ways to help turn your son into a confident
young man.
Build His Emotional Vocabulary
Unlike girls, boys aren't often encouraged to talk about
their feelings. So they keep things inside and never learn how to properly deal
with the pain. By being able to express his emotions, your son may find it
easier to work through whatever troubles him. It also gives you a better
understanding of his mindset, making it easier to help him.
Celebrate His Nonphysical Strengths
Thanks to the media, boys think six-packs and strength are a
man's most important attributes. They're wrong, of course, and it's our job to
tell our sons that. Teach your son about the traits that really matter —
intelligence, compassion, and goodwill, to name a few — and praise him for
embodying them.
Do Things He Likes to Do
By participating in your son's hobbies, you show that you
care about the things that are important to him. This makes him feel like he
matters, which in turn boosts his self-esteem.
Get Him a Job
And no, this isn't just so he can earn some extra cash. When
a child is given more responsibilities — even something small, like taking out
the trash — it shows that the adult is confident in his capabilities. This, of
course, makes them more confident in themselves.
Encourage His Uniqueness
Not every boy likes to run through the dirt, play with toy
cars, or toss around a football. And your son needs to know that that's OK. In
fact, it's great! If he is happy with himself, then it will be much easier to
ignore those who try to tease him.
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