Building Self-Respect: How to Boost Confidence in Tweens for Lifelong Success

Character Building: Preteens 2 min read
Roots of Confidence are Established at a Young Age
Photographer: IIONA VIRGIN | Source: Unsplash

As parents and teachers, we play a crucial role in shaping children's confidence and future.

From the moment they enter this world, we have the power to influence their mindset and help them develop resilience.

By building self-respect and boosting confidence in tweens, we can set them on a path towards lifelong success.

The Power of Parental Influence on Confidence

Children often look to their parents and caregivers for guidance and validation. Their self-worth and belief in themselves are deeply influenced by how they perceive our confidence in them.

When children receive consistent support and encouragement, they are more likely to develop a resilient mindset.

This will serve them throughout their lives.


Parents and other caregivers who are able to form close, nurturing relationships with their children can foster resilience in them that protects them from many of the worst effects of a harsh early environment. Paul Touch
Resilience is not something that can be taught overnight; it requires consistent effort from both parents and caregivers.

Here are some strategies to help boost your tween's confidence:

1. Celebrate strengths:

Identify your child's unique talents and abilities,
whether it's academic achievements or creative pursuits.

Help them to explore these strengths further and
celebrate their accomplishments along the way.


If children feel safe, they can take risks, ask questions, make mistakes, learn to trust, share their feelings, and grow. ~ Alfie Kohn
If children feel safe, they can take risks, ask questions, make mistakes, learn to trust, share their feelings, and grow. ~ Alfie Kohn

2. Encourage risk-taking:

Foster an environment where taking risks is seen as
an opportunity for growth rather than failure.

Support your tween as they:

  • step out of their comfort zone,
  • try new things, and
  • learn from both successes and setbacks.

3. Set realistic goals:

Help your child set achievable goals
that align with their interests and abilities.

Break down larger goals into smaller milestones
so they can experience regular wins along the way and strengthen their confidence.

Self-respect is a vital quality to instill in children as it empowers them to value and honor their own worth, fostering confidence and healthy relationships.

4. Provide constructive feedback:

Offer specific feedback that focuses on effort rather than just results.

Highlight areas where your child has shown improvement or put in extra effort, reinforcing the idea that hard work pays off.


5. Model resilience:

Show your tween how to handle challenges
and setbacks by modeling resilience yourself.

Share stories of your own failures and how you overcame them,
emphasizing the importance of:

  • perseverance, and
  • a positive mindset.

Students will rise to the level of a teacher's expectations. ~ Donalvn Miller
Students will rise to the level of a teacher's expectations. ~ Donalvn Miller

The Role of Teachers in Developing Confidence

Parents lay the foundation for building resilience;
teachers also play a crucial role in reinforcing these qualities.

One of the greatest things a teacher can do is have high expectations for their students. When teachers believe in their students' abilities and set high standards, students are more likely to rise to those expectations.

By challenging them and providing opportunities for growth, teachers can help students:

  • develop a strong sense of self-worth, and
  • belief in their own capabilities.

Students thrive when they feel supported and encouraged by both their parents and teachers, creating a solid foundation for lifelong success.

By working closely together, we can create an environment that supports our children's growth both at home and at school.


Building a Strong Future

Today, we’re in a fast-paced world.
It is essential to equip our children
with tools needed to navigate life's challenges successfully.

By building self-respect and boosting confidence in tweens,
we’re laying the groundwork for their future success.

Let's make raising resilient children a cornerstone
in preparing ourselves and our children
for what lies ahead.

Building self-respect is a lifelong journey that requires embracing your strengths, learning from your mistakes, and treating yourself with kindness and compassion.
parenting self-worth