Confidence
- audriechad
- May 4
- 2 min read
Updated: May 5
Building Your Child's Toolkit
How our kids explain Confidence:
Confidence is believing that you can try things, make mistakes, and keep going — not because everything is easy, but because you know you're capable of figuring it out.
Why is it important?
Confidence gives kids the courage to show up — to try new things, speak up, join in, and bounce back when something doesn't go as planned (refer to the My Outlet “Bounce Back" lego block tool kit for more info). It shapes how a child sees themselves and what they believe they're capable of. And it isn't something kids either have or don't — it's built, little by little, through experience and encouragement.
How does it help?
Many kids spend a lot of time being corrected, compared to others, or feeling like they don't quite fit — and over time, that quietly chips away at how they see themselves. That's why building confidence isn't extra — it's essential. When kids feel genuinely capable, they're more willing to take risks, raise their hand, try again after a setback, and connect with the people around them. Confidence also acts as a buffer: kids who believe in themselves tend to handle challenges with more steadiness and bounce back faster when things get hard.
Build Confidence at Home with Your Child!
Confidence grows through small wins, not big speeches. Try these everyday approaches to help your child feel capable and seen.
Ways to nurture confidence:
Spotlight their strengths — Notice and name what your child does well, however small: "You were really patient today," or "I love how creative your thinking is"
Let them lead — Give your child age-appropriate choices and responsibilities so they can experience making decisions and following through
Praise effort, not outcome — "You really stuck with that even when it got hard" builds more confidence than "You're so smart"
Normalize mistakes — Share your own mess-ups and what you did next. When mistakes aren't shameful, kids are more willing to try
Find their "thing" — A hobby, interest, or activity where your child feels genuinely good is one of the strongest confidence-builders there is
Challenge negative self-talk — When you hear "I can't do anything right," gently redirect: "That's not true — let's think of one thing you did do well today"
Celebrate progress, not perfection — Keep a "proud of" list or jar and add to it regularly
Kid Confidence:
Help Your Child Make Friends, Build Resilience, and Develop Real Self-Esteem by Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD
Where Confidence Comes From — and Why It's at the Heart of My Outlet
Hear from Audrie as she shares what confidence means to her personally, why teaching it is at the core of everything My Outlet does, and the story behind the name — because finding your outlet is where confidence begins.
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