Having self-confidence, or self-esteem, means feeling good about yourself.
Self-esteem is important for success at home and at school. Having it helps you have a happy productive life. Not having it as a child can result in problems later on. Here are ways you can help build your self-esteem.

Involve your child in daily routines.
Give your child chores to do all alone. These could be setting the table, or watering plants. Let him or her know these are important jobs. Be sure to praise for a job well done! (And, try not to fix little mistakes.)

Let children do many things themselves.
Children learn to be independent and develop confidence when they can make choices. Consider letting your child choose clothes to wear each day. (Buying clothes in just a couple colors helps you BOTH feel good about those choices!) Remember: give a child a choice only when there really is one.

"Good job!"
Make sure to praise your child for his or her efforts. Smiles and encouragement go a long way. They can shape good behavior better than harsh punishment.

Be a model for your child.
Children learn to deal with their own feelings of happiness, anger or frustration by watching you. Think about how you deal with those feelings. Do you want your child to copy your actions?

Offer reasons when asking your child to do something.
This can be an effective part of firm but living discipline. For example, say, "Please move the toy truck off the stairs so no one falls over it," -- not, "Do it because I say so."

Show love and respect when you are angry.
You should criticize a child's behavior, but not the child. For example, say, "I love you, but it is not okay for you to draw pictures on the walls. I get angry when you do that."

Expose your child to a wide variety of experiences.
Going to and seeing different places and people can help your child be "ready to learn"

Encourage your child to play with other children.
Invite neighborhood children over, or form a neighborhood play group. Try to be there to help your child deal with any conflicts that may come up.

Handle your child's body with respect.
Because we are so much larger and stronger than children, we can forget that a small child is his or her own person. Explain to a child what you're doing when you touch him or her. For example, you can say to an infant, "l'm going to change your diaper now." Or ask a toddler "Do you want me to help wipe your nose?" Give a reason why you must take off your child's wet shoes and socks. Explain why he or she needs a coat to wear outside. This helps children to learn about their world. And it lets them know they're people -- people worthy of respect.

Take time to tell your child stories of your own life.
It's fun once in a while to share one of your childhood memories with your preschooler. This lets your child imagine you at his or her age. The child may find out that he or she has had experiences like yours.

Make up your own good-bye routine.
Saying good-bye can be scary. Try making up special good-bye routines. Then go through the same routine every time you say good-bye. Maybe you rub noses, or wave a special way at each other. This lets your child know what to expect. It helps him or her feel more confident and in control.

"I love you, no matter what!"
Children must believe that no matter what happens, someone will look out for them. Show your child that you care. Small children need attention, encouragement, hugs, and plenty of time on your lap. Children who feel loved are more likely to be self-confident.