The Importance of Confidence in Children: What Research Says

A study from Valinijchai University found that five-year-olds have a sense of self-worth that is as strong as that of adults, meaning that building confidence from a young age can have lifelong effects on personality.

The study, which looked at 507 students, found that children who were confident in their core skills had higher levels of self-worth, academic engagement, and well-being.

Statistics show that 85% of success in a task comes from developed communication skills, reflecting the importance of developing these skills from a young age.

Problems that Thai children are facing

In this digital age, many children struggle with confidence and social skills. International surveys have found that social media, screens, lack of development, social pressure, gaming and over-protective parenting are the biggest dangers facing children today.

A Canadian survey revealed that more than 34% of adults have serious concerns about the social and soft skills of children aged 10-21, reflecting the urgent need to address this issue.

8 ways to build confidence in children

1. Create a safe and accepting environment.
   Children need to feel safe to express themselves. Creating a home environment that is loving, accepting, and non-judgmental will help children be willing to make mistakes and learn from their experiences.
2. Give your child the chance to make small decisions.
   Letting your child choose what clothes to wear, what food to eat, or what activities to do helps build a sense of control over their life, which is the foundation of confidence.
3. Praise the effort more than the result.
   Instead of saying, “Good job,” say, “I love how hard you tried.” Praising the process will help children not fear failure and keep trying.
4. Teach children to recognize their strengths.
   Help children discover what they are good at and interested in. When children know what they are good at, they will have more self-confidence.
5. Train children to solve problems on their own.
   Instead of solving problems for children right away, encourage them to think of solutions on their own, offering advice when necessary.
6. Teach children to accept failure.
   Explain to children that failure is part of learning and an opportunity for self-improvement.
7. Use positive language.
   Avoid using criticism or comparisons, but use words that inspire and encourage.
8. Be a good role model.
   Children learn by observing, so displaying confidence and good communication skills will be the best example for them.

How to develop speaking and communication skills

Listening Practice
A survey found that 55% of employees said that effective communication increased their confidence at work. Good listening is the foundation of good communication. Teach children to listen attentively, ask questions to understand, and show interest in what others are saying.

Public speaking practice
Start by having children tell stories at home, then give presentations in front of the class. Regular speaking practice will help build confidence and reduce fear.

Body language practice
Teach children to make eye contact, stand or sit with confidence, and use gestures to support words, which will help communicate more effectively.

Storytelling practice
Have children practice telling stories about their daily experiences, books they have read, or interesting events. Storytelling helps develop organizing and presentation skills.

Techniques to help children not be afraid of strangers

Simulations
Imitate situations of meeting strangers at home, such as greetings, introductions, and basic conversation.

Creating positive experiences Expose
children to situations where they must meet new people in a safe environment, such as a kid's party, community event, or visiting a neighbor.

Using games and activities
Use interactive games, role-playing, or group activities to practice social skills.

Teaching basic manners
Children who know manners feel more confident when faced with new situations.

The Benefits of Soft Skills for Child Development

Statistics show that 85.5% of employers look for problem-solving skills in job candidates, and 86% of employees say that workplace failures come from a lack of effective communication.

Key soft skills for kids include:

• Help children express their opinions and feelings clearly.
• Reduce misunderstandings and build good relationships
• Increase opportunities to learn and gain new information.

• Build confidence to cope with new situations
• Develop critical thinking and decision-making
• Reduce anxiety when faced with problems

• Help children learn to share and cooperate.
• Development of leadership and followership
• Build friendships and social networks

• Help children not be afraid of change
• Develop flexibility in thinking and action
• Prepare for a rapidly changing world

Guidelines for practicing soft skills in daily life

• Create collaborative family activities
• Give children responsibilities at home
• Practice resolving conflicts through conversation.

• Encourage children to participate in various activities
• Support group work and collaborative projects
• Practice presenting in front of the class

• Participate in community activities
• Promote volunteer work
• Create opportunities to meet children of the same age

Motivation and Reward

• Rewarding process rather than results
• Recognizing effort and improvement
• Creating short-term, achievable goals
• Celebrating small successes to inspire

The role of technology in skills development

• An application that trains speaking skills
• Games that promote teamwork
• An online platform for learning new skills
• Video calls to practice communicating with people far away

Precautions and things to avoid

• Avoid comparisons with other children.
• Don't force children to do things they are not ready for.
• Do not criticize or criticize children's efforts.
• Avoid using negative or threatening language.
• Don't expect immediate results, as developing skills takes time.

Conclusion

Building confidence and developing communication skills in children is the most valuable investment for their future. With data showing that 85% of success in a job comes from communication skills, developing these skills from a young age will give them an advantage in the future.

Creating an environment conducive to learning, providing opportunities for practice, and providing positive role models will help children develop into confident adults who can communicate effectively and are not afraid to take on new situations.

Remember that developing these skills is an ongoing process that requires patience, understanding, and consistent support. Every child develops at a different pace, so it is important to provide encouragement and tailor an approach that works best for your child.

Ultimately, the goal is to see our children grow up to be happy, confident adults who can successfully form good relationships with others.