The one simple secret to help your child become more confident

What we believe about ourselves impacts how we feel, and that in turns affects what we do. Yet self-esteem isn’t something we can improve directly. It’s a byproduct of confidence. And confidence is developed by doing.

The role of confidence in developing physical literacy

The “recipe” for physical literacy is simple: skills, confidence, and love of movement. If your child has developed a belief that they’re “just no good” at certain sports or activities, ask yourself: 

• Do they need help to learn or strengthen specific skills? 
• Do they need more practice so they can develop confidence in their abilities? 
• Do they need help to rekindle their love of movement? 

When something feels too hard, it’s because it’s too big a step from where your child is right now. We can help them find the next rung on the ladder. 

The best way to do this is through play. If a child wants to become a better runner, play games of tag so they have more opportunities to practice this skill. Activities like tree-climbing and gymnastics can also help your child develop the upper body strength they need. 

Big achievements begin with small, simple steps

Just like learning to read or play the piano, learning to move takes practice. No one expects a child’s first book to be a novel, or their first song to be a symphony. Big achievements begin with small, simple steps.

Feeling good about a small win leads to a little more confidence, which provides the momentum to attempt new challenges and experience more successes.