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What does confidence look like in kids? It might not be what you think.
Sure, the kids burning it up on the sports field or the school play have lots of confidence. But self-assurance can also be quieter – kids willing to try new things; speak up, stand up for others, make eye-contact, and contribute their own ideas. Confidence is also what helps kids to be bold enough to try, and try again.
“Confident children,” wrote the Mayo Clinic not long ago, “believe in themselves and can face new challenges without fear.”
Still, knowing you want your kids to be confident and helping them actually become so are two different things. As a practical matter, how do you support confidence building?
Experts say it’s not a one-and-done, but a long game. And there are four practical places you can start.
Ask questions: As grownups, we’re practically hard-wired to give advice. But we need to be good at listening, too. Ask your child what they think, take a beat before responding, and actively listen to their answers. Such attention conveys to kids that their opinions are both valuable, and valued, and that will have payoffs that will last. “Listening to your children,” wrote one psychotherapist on LinkedIn, “not only improves the parent-child relationship, but it teaches children how to develop healthy personality, self-esteem, and healthy relationships.”
Be reliable: Security builds boldness. And that’s built from adult figures who are dependably in kids’ corners. So, do what you say you’ll do, be where you say you’ll be, and set clear limits and boundaries that are firm, consistent, and reliable, with the same message every time. “Routines and rituals,” one expert from Chicago told CNN, “can be very comforting and useful.”
Demonstrate empathy: The feelings behind your child’s behavior or words can be more important than the words themselves. Respect those feelings – even when you disagree. “Try to see things from their perspective, and then let them know that you see how they are feeling,” say experts at the Mayo Clinic. “Children who can be their true selves will grow in self-confidence.”
Promote curiosity – and trial and error: Kids give up easily when they think effort is fruitless (what’s called a “fixed mindset”). A growth mindset, on the other hand – the hallmark of confident kids – allows them to tinker, embrace challenges, and persist in the face of setbacks. That comes from kids who are unleashed to try and fail because they know the adults in their lives will love and support them no matter what. “Unconditional regard,” writes a parenting columnist in the Washington Post, “fills our kids with the confidence to believe in their ability to succeed on their own.”
On its own, each of the above is a powerful step. But together, they’re even more powerful, forming parts of what’s called positive parenting – defined by respectful relationships and clear expectations – that experts call one of the most effective ways to raise kids.
“When kids feel a strong connection to their parents,” wrote one parenting expert on CNBC, “they’re more likely to grow up to be resilient, confident, caring, and responsible adults.“
That’s something to be positive about.
For new families, our A Bright Welcome program offers exclusive tuition incentives and additional benefits at select Bright Horizons centers. Our story has always been about providing exceptional early childhood education and care – we’re committed to making our approach accessible to as many families and children as possible.
See discount Terms & Conditions.
You can select and register with up to three Bright Horizons child care locations, including the center in which you are most interested. By registering, you are confirming interest in all three centers. Once registered, we will add you to our waitlist and offer you a space as soon as one becomes available. Our goal is to accommodate families as soon as space allows, and so during the entire process, we will keep in touch with you regarding your status. While waiting for a space to become available at the first-choice location, many families enroll at their second or third choices temporarily until space becomes available at their first-choice centers. Enrolling at another location will not only solve your immediate child care needs, but will provide you priority access to your first preference.
What is the background check process for all staff at Bright Horizons Seattle child care centers?
Bright Horizons conducts comprehensive background checks on all prospective employees and frequent visitors. In Seattle, the state of WA Department of Youth and Families requires background checks for employees of a daycare or licensed child care facility.
Bright Horizons background checks consist of a county criminal record check for the past seven years performed in all counties that a person has lived, worked or attended school. In addition to the county criminal search, a sex offender search, OFAC search, and a social security verification trace are also conducted.
Is it safe to send my child to a Seattle child care or preschool?
We continue to monitor state and local public health guidelines, look to our medical expert, and use our considerable experience to guide our health and safety practices. We’re prepared to respond quickly and adjust those health and safety practices as needed.
Do Bright Horizons daycare centers follow state/local requirements for masking and vaccinations?
Where there are additional state or local requirements, for example around vaccination/masking, Bright Horizons also complies with applicable legal requirements in each jurisdiction in which we operate.
All Bright Horizons Seattle staff are trained regularly in CPR /First Aid and Universal Precautions. You can feel confident that your child is safe and receiving the best care possible while in our care. Families of children in our care use the to get photos, real-time updates on care, learning, and milestones, and stay up to date on important notifications.
All Bright Horizons Seattle staff receive ongoing training, including CPR/First Aid and Universal Precautions. You can feel confident that your child is healthy, safe, and thriving while in our care. Bright Horizons families use the MyBrightDay mobile app daily to get photos, real-time updates on care, learning, and milestones, and to stay up-to-date on important notifications.
Child care at Bright Horizons is focused on making our daily experiences focused on comprehensive, optimum development of each child: mind, body, social self, and character. Here's how we do it:
Preparing Children for Success in Life by:
Preparation for Academic Excellence by:
Yes. Most of our locations offer infant care programs for children starting at 6-weeks old. We're happy to schedule a safe, personalized Zoom visit for expectant parents who would like to learn about why Bright Horizons in Seattle is a great place for babies.
Yes. Most of our locations offer preschool and kindergarten preparation programs for children to start working on getting ready for school. We're happy to schedule a safe, personalized Zoom visit for parents who would like to learn about what school readiness at Bright Horizons in Seattle looks like.
Bright Horizons in Seattle supports the whole family because we know that success at work and success at home go hand-in-hand. We designed our centers, child care programs, and schedules to keep the needs of both children and parents in mind.
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