5 Ways to Help Kids Build Self Confidence this Summer

• Posted: July 7, 2022

It’s no surprise that recent reports show that children are stressed and anxious — a reflection of our culture since the pandemic. So as parents and caretakers, how can we help keep our kids emotionally healthy? As their role models, it’s our duty to help guide our children through every step of their life and help build their confidence in God and in themselves. Take the time this summer to be intentional in working with your kids to build self confidence and prepare them for the next school year.

The definition of self confidence is “a feeling of trust in one’s abilities, qualities, and judgment.” Kids with self confidence feel accepted, proud of what they can do, think good things about themselves, and believe they can do what they set their mind to. Kids with low self confidence are hard on themselves, feel they’re not as good as others, and doubt they can do things well.

It’s important to note that the most important thing we must teach our kids is how to have Godly confidence, by fully relying on Him. Instill a “God is my confidence” mentality early on in their life. True self-worth comes from daily dependence on God. Once this is established, they can continue to build their self-confidence in other ways.

Here are 5 simple ways you can set kids up to feel capable and continue to build their self confidence.

Daily Bible Reading & Devotions

With extra time this summer, create a new routine with your kids that involves daily Bible reading and devotions. A daily reminder that God made them for a reason, that He loves them, and that we are all sinners, will help naturally build their self confidence. Once they understand how God views them, they will start looking at themselves in the same way.

Step Back

Kids need to learn things on their own, and they can’t do that if we’re always there telling them how to do things. Our kids need to take risks, make mistakes, and solve their own problems to build their confidence. Obviously, we want to oversee and make sure our kids are making safe choices and step in, if needed. Encouraging independence is an important part of growing up.

Offer Choices

This can start simple, with letting your kids choose their outfit for the day or what activity you’re going to do that day. Young kids can get overwhelmed quickly, so give them 2 or 3 options to choose from. When making their own decision, your child will feel more powerful, adding to their confidence.

Age-Appropriate Chores

Summer is the perfect time to implement new chores for kids. Creating a chore schedule and chart helps them feel that their contribution is valuable. Even young kids can help with making dinner, setting the table, wiping the counter, etc. Older children can help with various cleaning duties, laundry, and even yard work.

Model Confidence

Remember, your kids are little sponges and they are always watching you. Show your kids how you approach new tasks with optimism and preparation. Even if you make a mistake, talk to them about it and how you learned from it. Remind them that things don’t need to be perfect, as long as we give it our best effort.

Remember, by always referencing God’s love for them, our children will be able to stand firm on the foundation that they were made for a purpose – which is the best kind of self confidence! As parents and caretakers, we want our children to be confident in us — but the reality is that we aren’t always going to be there for them, physically. By instilling the importance of having confidence in God, they will understand that His love will be with them at all times throughout their entire life.

At Bible2School, we intentionally build relationships with 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders to teach truth and inspire hope through God’s Word. If you’re interested in learning how you can bring a Bible2School program to your public school, learn more here.

Relevant Bible Verses

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
– Jeremiah 29:11

“Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.”
– Hebrews 10:35-36

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
– Psalms 139:13-14

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
– 2 Timothy 1:7

“If God is for us, who can be against us?”
– Romans 8:31

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”
– 1 Timothy 4:12