Supporting self-esteem and confidence in kids

When kids with learning and thinking differences have positive self-esteem, they feel more confident. They try their best. They value themselves. And they’re proud of the things they can do.

Kids with learning differences develop positive self-esteem by working hard toward a goal — and then seeing their hard work pay off. But failure builds confidence in kids too. In this episode of The Opportunity Gap, listen as Julian explains:

• How encouraging feedback builds positive self-esteem
• What kids can learn from experiencing failure
• Ways to praise kids and teach them to be proud of their efforts

Visit the episode page for a transcript and links to helpful resources.  

We’d love to hear from you. Write to us at opportunitygap@understood.org.  

Related resources

• Understood’s article on the importance of positive self-esteem for kids
• Harvard Business Review’s article: The Power of Small Wins
• Teach Like a Champion’s article: Narrating Positive Behavior

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give