“I think I can do it!” is a simple statement which eventually leads to the phrase, “I did it!” When associated with fear or inexperience, the latter phrase becomes even more powerful and meaningful to the person accomplishing the task or new skill. From my own experiences, I’ve found that practice or honing one’s skills is important, but confidence is essential. It helps me to not feel defeated and to believe in myself. My daughter, who just turned three just a month ago and is in the process of learning this lifelong lesson.
Sometimes, she grows frustrated when she thinks she can’t do something or has an initial struggle, but with encouragement she will usually persist. When she fears doing a task or new skill, forget about it! She will avoid it at all cost, similar to many adults. That’s when my confidence in her can be quite helpful in giving her the motivation to have confidence in herself and to go from “I can’t” to “I think I can” to “I know I can” to “I did it!” Just this past Monday, we went to the park, and Quinn proceeded to climb of the ladder on the playground equipment. In the past, she’s wanted me to stay nearby, which I had no problem doing as the over-protective mother, but this time she climbed up quickly and without me even prompting her, she turned around and gave me a thumbs up which displayed her confidence. “I did it, Mommy! I was fast too!” she said with a smile on her face.
There will be times when my little girl or I may experience fear as she has new experiences, but I will always try my best to show her that I am confident in her abilities and motivate her that she can do it! What would we do without the power of confidence?
All the best,
Tanya
Mommy's Baby Steps 