When a child is still young, it's not uncommon for a parent to gaze into their little one's eyes and wonder what will become of this being they love so much. Will she be the next winner of the Nobel Prize? Start his own rock band? Travel the world with only a backpack full of belongings? Parents want to feel like they know and understand their child deeply, and taking a step back and observing may be the key to gaining insights. To recognize early signs your kid will be confident, think about their choices and actions through a special lens. Because chances are they have been flexing their confidence muscles all along.
When it comes to confident kids, there is plenty of advice on what parents can do to raise one. However, some children have been developing their confidence since birth, whether their parents have recognized the signs or not. Some parents may have unknowingly fostered a sense of confidence in their children by creating a home environment and parenting style that allowed their little one to flourish — and some kiddos are just born with the extra moxie to grab the world by the horns. No matter how they arrived at this point, these signs of budding confidence prove that your child will be able to hold their own throughout life.
1They Take Risks
Although it takes a ton of confidence to jump from the top of a swing set, those aren't the type of risks I'm talking about. Putting yourself out there and trying new things can be hard for adults, so if you see your kiddo killing it in that department, it's a sign you have a confident kid on your hands, according to Today's Parent.
2They Set Goals
Want is a surefire way to spot confidence in your kiddo? Look for their desire and courage to go after what they want. As Working Mother magazine pointed out, setting realistic goals is linked to having confidence and healthy self-esteem.
3They Reach Milestones
Believe it or not, even the common developmental milestones can boost confidence in little ones. As Kids Health, a website from Nemours explained, learning to walk or turning pages of a book helps babies understand that they are capable of doing things on their own.
4They Make Decisions Without Your Help
Being able to feel independent enough to make decisions without consulting with a parent first, is a sign of confident child, according to Parents magazine. With some guidance from you, this skill can also help down the road with discerning how to use good judgement.
5They Adapt To Unfamiliar Social Situations
A new and unfamiliar social situation can make anyone feel like a fish out of water, but as Parenting explained, the ability to adapt in new conditions shows confidence. If this is a skill that seems to come naturally to your child, you can feel at ease knowing they can handle this feat just fine.
6They Enjoy Responsiblity
Most kids will whine at the mention of chores, but kids who don't shy away from responsibility might be more confident than their hesitant counterparts. As pediatrician Dr. Sears explained on is website, being responsible for things in their life and around the house, gives a child a sense of confidence that they are capable of doing many things.
7They Don't Need Praise
Every parent wants to cheer on their kid and tell them how amazing they are. But passing on the praise may be the secret to feeling confident. According to Today's Parent, competence comes with time and effort, and doesn't rely on the compliments of others (even their parents) to grow.
8They Show Resilience
Struggling with setbacks and failures may be tough to watch your kid go through, but how they handle these situations could tell you a lot about their confidence level. The ability to be resilient is essential to good confidence, as Working Mother pointed out. Being able to manage the rough patches will lead to a better chance of success.
9They Like To Help Others
As psychologist Robert Brooks, coauthor of Raising Resilient Children, told Parents, "when children feel like they're making a difference — whether it's passing out cups at preschool or taking cookies to a nursing home — they feel more confident." Encourage and nurture ways your child can be of services to others.
