NEW YORK — What’s the best thing to teach a child growing up? Kindness? Generosity? A new survey finds an overwhelming 82 percent of parents are making a daily concerted effort to raise their children to be confident.
The OnePoll study of 1,000 parents of school-aged children finds 47 percent say they make sure they themselves are a good example of confidence for their children. Another 54 percent inspire confidence in their children by allowing them to do things by themselves.
The survey, commissioned by Stokke, aimed to determine how parents approach their child-rearing habits. It discovered that 73 percent say seeing their children exhibit confidence makes them feel like they’ve mastered their parenting skills.
Additionally, 74 percent say having a close relationship with their children is vital to their kids’ confidence. Parents also hope to boost their kids’ overall confidence by celebrating milestones, however slight they may be. Nearly four in five parents (78%) make an effort to celebrate all of their child’s milestones and “firsts.”
Celebrating all those little moments
From a baby’s first time eating solid food, to their first lost tooth, to elementary or middle school graduations, parents want to make sure they acknowledge all the moments in their kids’ lives. At five years-old, the average parent pushes their kids to brush their teeth on their own and pick up their toys without any assistance.
Then, at six years-old, the average parent will allow their kids to make their bed and also help with cooking. Upon seeing their children show confidence for the first time, 62 percent of parents found themselves incredibly happy while another 47 percent couldn’t help but be proud parents.
From hearing their child give a speech in front of a large crowd with boldness and assuredness to doing their homework all by themselves, parents will always remember the times their youngster showed confidence and independence. However, for one in seven add having their children gain independence is a bittersweet experience.
Parents want children to think for themselves
Beyond raising independent children, parents are encouraging their children to think critically. Seventy-nine percent of those surveyed say they encourage their child to think critically and use logic on a daily basis.
“Confidence is one of the best gifts a parent can give a child. A child that grows up having faith in their abilities is fearless and ready to take on the obstacles life will bring on. They feel free to pursue their passions. They believe in their dreams, big or small, and have the courage to follow them. When a child is closely connected to their parent, the security they feel enables them to push beyond their comfort zone. This allows children to give in to their natural sense of curiosity, explore and learn” a spokesperson for Stokke says in a statement.
Four in five parents say extracurricular activities are important in building up their child’s confidence as well. As a result, parents encourage their children to try out a variety of different activities. On average, children are involved in four different extracurricular activities at one time. Three in four parents hope their kid will boost their confidence by trying out a variety of different activities.
“Encouraging children to be confident and independent is a goal for many parents out there hoping to raise successful children. In fact, ensuring they are equipped with the tools necessary to conquer life and tackle obstacles that may come their way is a critical component of child-rearing” the spokesperson for Stokke adds.