If your child is too frightened to speak up in a group, unwilling to express their opinions or reluctant to take part in activities the chances are they may be lacking in confidence.
Self belief is most probably the most important gift you will ever pass on to a child.
Being able to set and achieve goals, to believe in themselves, to cope with disappointment and refuse to become demoralized, are all skills children need to succeed in school and in life.
Self confidence will give your child the courage to cope with fear, to persevere in their chosen activities and to try new things.
Top tips for building confidence in children Perhaps the most important thing in raising a child's self esteem is to know they are loved unconditionally.
This does not mean overlooking wrongs but guiding them and providing them with boundaries.

1. Talk about the things that make them special and unique including things they are especially good at (such as flying a kite or tying shoelaces), talents and positive personality traits.
   
2. Know that there is an answer to every problem.
   Help your child brainstorm solutions to problems so that they may make choices and feel in control.
   
3. Know where they can get different types of help.
   The wider the child's network of help, the more secure and confident they will feel.
   
4. Use positive language which does not limit possibilities but widens horizons.
   
5. Accept, appreciate and believe compliments when they are paid.
   
6. Set achievable goals together such as raising their hand in class, and set a time limit of a few days.
   In this way the goal is not pushed into the future but achieved quickly and further actions agreed on.
   
7. Look and act confident even if they do not feel confident.
   Think of someone they admire and emulate that demeanour.
   What would that person do in a similar situation?
8. Be thankful for all of the good things that happen each day.
   List them and celebrate them no matter how small.
   
9. Remember the saying: Change the action, change the result.
   If something is not working, do something different.
   

Building children's confidence is vital for developing positive behaviours now and for the future as adults, and for ensuring children achieve their true potential.
Confidence is the door that leads to choice, optimism, improved social skills and fulfilment.
Confidence gives children the ability to cope with disappointment and move on to set new, exciting and achievable goals.
Our role is to remind children of their own self worth and give them skills for life.
The adults of the future will have challenging decisions to make.
Everyone will have a part to play and raising children's confidence will allow everyone to play their part.