When a Child Doesn’t Believe They Can Do It

When a Child Doesn’t Believe They Can Do It

When a child goes quiet after a setback or is afraid to try something new, sensitive support can help them build confidence and cope with change.

A tantrum, refusal to do a task, or the words “I can’t do it” can leave a parent unsure how to respond. But in that moment, a child often needs reassurance more than a reprimand. This article offers ways to respond without dismissing their feelings, recognize their efforts, and create small opportunities for success. Over time, they learn that making a mistake doesn’t mean failure and that new situations can be handled one step at a time.

Interested in this topic? Read more: How to Support Children’s Self-Confidence and Everyday Adaptation Want to find out where you stand personally? Take a short test at the end of the page and gain a better understanding.

How does this apply to you? Choose the answers that describe you best:

How do you react when a child makes a mistake while learning something new?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

How do you support a child's independence in decision-making?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

How do you react when a child expresses an opinion that is different from yours?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

How do you support a child's perseverance when solving problems?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

How do you teach a child to deal with emotions during failure?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

How do you encourage a child's creativity in everyday life?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

How do you help a child develop healthy self-esteem?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

How do you show a child that their opinions are important?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

How do you motivate a child to learn and be curious?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

How do you help a child cope with change and new situations?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

Children's Self-Confidence: How to Support It in Daily Life

Get an evaluation of your answers

Enter your email to create an account and link this test to it. After you submit all 10 answers, we’ll show your evaluation on the page and email you a link.