health
Child psychologist’s 2-step formula for parents to raise confident kids: It gives them ‘the opportunity to thrive’
Anxiety can be a key ingredient of confidence for children, rather than the enemy, says clinical child psychologist Kathryn Hecht.
TL;DR
- Anxiety is a primary human emotion, not something to be eliminated.
- The formula for building confidence is Anxiety + Bravery = Confidence.
- Parents should allow children to experience and manage anxiety safely, rather than rescuing them.
- Parents can model bravery and create opportunities for children to practice bravery in low-stakes situations.
- Celebrating small steps and using playfulness can encourage children to confront their fears.
- Learning to handle anxiety helps children develop confidence in their capacity to deal with life's challenges.