#self-confidence #students #parenting #initiative # skills
Many believe that the school system is solely responsible for our children’s lack of self-confidence. Even though the actual school system doesn’t help children in gaining self-confidence, it is important to note that insecurity and low self-esteem often stem from the way we raise our children. Even with the best intentions, we may still end up with insecure children.
Let’s have a look at the two extreme and well-known parenting types, helicopter and free-range parenting. Helicopter parents tend to micromanage their children’s life. Therefore, the children have no opportunity to make their own decision, take risks or make mistakes. When they are on their own, in school, for example, they feel awkward, and unsure of what to do. They are afraid to initiate anything and will need always permission from teachers to carry on their work.
On the other hand, free-range parents allow their kids to take risks and make their own decision. Without proper guidance, those children feel neglected and develop self-confidence and autonomy out of necessity. They have no control over their behaviour and impulsions. These children will be unsure of how to navigate challenging situations on their own, leading to insecurity and low self-confidence. To foster a healthy sense of self-confidence in children, it is crucial to strike a balance between support and guidance while allowing them to learn and make decisions independently. Therefore, parents should encourage their children to take risks and try new things while also providing guidance and support when needed. It is also essential for parents to help their children develop a growth mindset, emphasizing that mistakes and setbacks are opportunities for learning and growth, not sources of shame or failure.
References: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK568743/ https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10510974.2013.811434 https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document? repid= rep1&type=pdf&doi=1dbe3c4475adb3b9462c149a8d4d580ee7e85644