How to Instill Confidence in Your Middle Schooler

This is a crucial time in building confidence in your middle schooler. They, especially girls, are self-conscious about their bodies, what they wear and acne issues. A great deal of patience is needed through these years.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. The child's home life must be a nurturing and stable environment. It doesn't matter what type of household they live in as long as they will get love and support there. Do you criticize your child unnecessarily? Has it turned into a bad habit? When they want to talk, do you take the time to sit and give them your undivided attention?
2. Don't be wiping down the counter, emptying the dishwasher or loading the washing machine. Take the time to sit down and talk. If pimples or acne is bothering them, take them to a dermatologist and get an evaluation. If they earn extra money from chores or babysitting, let them keep a portion of it to do what they want to with it.
3. If you have more than one child, make the time to take each one of them out to dinner, so they have your undivided attention and can talk to you. Boost their confidence when the deserve it, don't criticize, and don't yell at them. They are learning and are not always going to do the right thing.

Tips & Warnings

• Listen to your child
• Undivided time for each one
• Boost confidence