Building a Child's Confidence: The Road to Self-Belief

Building a Child's Confidence: The Road to Self-Belief

Sep 27, 2023

By Holly Clarkson

Creative Director, Big Mouth Theatre


Here at Big Mouth, we believe self-confidence plays a vital part in a child's overall development. We feel it’s our responsibility to nurture and support the growth of this essential quality in children, and we do this through the creative medium of drama and the performing arts. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of child confidence, strategies we use to boost it, and the long-term benefits it brings.


The Significance of Child Confidence


  1. Self-esteem and self-worth: Confidence forms the foundation of a child's self-esteem and self-worth. When children believe in themselves, they are more likely to take on challenges and overcome obstacles.
  2. Resilience: Confidence helps children bounce back from failures and setbacks. It instils the belief that they can learn from their mistakes and keep moving forward.
  3. Positive Relationships: Confident children can often find it easier to build positive relationships with peers and adults. They are more likely to engage in social activities and express themselves openly.

Our Strategies to Boost Child Confidence


  1. Encouragement and Praise: We provide the children with praise that is specific and genuine for both their efforts and achievements. We like to focus on their strengths and acknowledge their progress.
  2. Set Realistic Expectations: We help the children to set achievable goals and we celebrate their accomplishments, no matter how small.
  3. Promote Independence: We allow the children to make age-appropriate decisions within the tasks we set. This helps them develop a sense of self-trust.
  4. Teach Problem-Solving Skills: We love to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving. When the children solve issues on their own, they gain confidence in their abilities.
  5. Provide a Supportive Environment: In all of Big Mouth’s settings, we create a safe and supportive atmosphere where children feel comfortable expressing themselves and trying new things.
  6. Model Confidence: Children often learn by example, and for this reason, our coaches are encouraged to show confidence in their own actions and decisions.
  7. Offer Constructive Feedback: When providing feedback to the children, our coaches are trained to focus on constructive criticism that guides improvement rather than highlighting mistakes.


Long-Term Benefits of Child Confidence.


  1. Emotional Well-being: A strong sense of self-confidence can lead to improved emotional well-being, including reduced stress and anxiety.
  2. Healthy Risk-Taking: Confident children are more willing to take calculated risks, which can lead to personal growth and increased opportunities.
  3. Leadership Skills: Confidence is often a precursor to leadership qualities. Confident children are more likely to step into leadership roles.
  4. Adaptability: Confidence helps children adapt to new situations and challenges, a valuable skill in our ever-changing world.

Building a child’s confidence is an investment in their future selves and well-being. By providing a nurturing and supportive environment, setting realistic expectations, and fostering a positive self-image, we can help our children develop the self-confidence they need to thrive in all aspects of their lives. Remember that building confidence is an ongoing process, and with patience and encouragement, children can learn to believe in themselves and their abilities.