I received some great advice and books on building self confidence in children. But my brother gave me the best advice of all. He told me that Jack is a boy, and boys gets their self confidence through personal acheivment. He told me that Eric and I can tell him how great he is all day long, but that is only part of the equation.....his personal accomplishments are the only way he will ever believe it. Girls get there security and self esteem from words of affirmation, love, feeling desirable and wanted, and personal relationships. I already know this because I am a girl, and I know that the love in my life is where I've gained my own confidence. But Joe brought me the male perspective on this very real issue. And I feel better. I now know my role in this, and I know what I need to do. I need to get off my lazy rear end, stop putting it off, and actively find an activity to sign Jack up for that will set him up for success. In time, and no one knows how long, he will acheive things little by little, and build up the confidence that he needs. Not because I tell him how good he did, but because of how good he is actually doing at a task. It must be earned for a man, or it's not real. And of course, prayer. The ultimate giver loves to give to His children! Thanks for the advice, and book suggestions. :)
I know this is tough for parents, and I dread the day that I go through this with my girls. Suz, how about Karate, Tae Kwan Do? My brother in law was not into sports as a kid and really found a lot of joy in the sport. He became very good at it too!
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