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Along Life’s Way
Building
Confidence
By Lois E. Wilson
Philip B. Crosby states that in high school even though he barely made
the team, he ran track. After joining the navy, at boot camp the chief
selected him and announced that he would show everyone how to do the
obstacle course. The chief assured him, “You will be great!” On
that day he set a course record. When asked what happened, Crosby
responded, “The chief gave me confidence.”
When he was around twelve, our son was to play a solo piano piece at a
competition with a panel of judges to rate his performance. He was at
the door of the auditorium ready to go in when he told us he didn’t
want to do it. We discussed options with him, and he decided to perform
his piece. He was able to overcome his fear and did well.
We begin building confidence within our children the minute they are
born. My verse “One Step at a Time” was inspired by memories of
parenting:
The baby crawls across the floor,
Stops in front of a small table,
Appears thinking, “I may crawl more
Or pull myself up if able.”
He reaches for the table’s edge,
Stretches arms until hands can grasp.
A few tries he stands at its ledge
Then proudly sighs a gurgling gasp.
He looks for his parents’ faces
And takes in their approving smiles.
He lets go, toddles four paces—
The first of his life’s many miles.
The smiles and affirming words of parents are the building blocks for
the development of self-confidence in their children. Virgil observed,
“They can do all because they think they can.” Our confidence
determines to a great degree our capacity.
If “yes” is the answer to “can you?” It is the inspiration to complete
the task—that you can and will do it. It imparts enthusiasm and
confidence to others. Confidence is an important gift for children. And
the best part is that it costs nothing. Provide tasks for them to
complete and when they do, reward them with smiles, words of
encouragement and praise. You will be giving them self-confidence—the
gift that will pay off in benefits to them the rest of their lives.
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