Confidence boosters for preschoolers - post

What does confidence look like in preschoolers?

A confident preschooler might not be the loudest child in the room. Confidence can look different for each child.

You may see confidence when a child:

• Tries a puzzle again after it falls apart
• Uses words like “Can I have a turn?”
• Joins play with one friend (even if they avoid big groups)
• Shares an idea during circle time (even one word counts!)
• Says, “I can do it!” or “Help me, please.” 

Why do some preschoolers struggle with confidence?

Confidence is not “something kids either have or don’t have.” It grows from experiences.

A child may feel less confident because they:

• Are you new to the classroom, or have you had big changes at home
• Learn a new language and need more time to speak
• Have been corrected a lot (“No, not like that”)
• Feel shy or “slow to warm up.”
• Have strong feelings and get overwhelmed
• Have trouble with a skill (fine motor, speech, self-control)

Our goal is to give children many chances to feel successful—especially in small, gentle ways.

How can teachers boost confidence with the words they use?

Your words can either build a child up or make them feel nervous to try.

Try using “growth” words like:

• “You worked hard on that.”
• “You’re still learning. Let’s try again.”
• “Show me what you’ve tried so far.”
• “Mistakes help our brains grow.”
• “I noticed you kept going!”

Also, try specific praise (it feels more real than “Good job”):

• “You stacked four blocks without giving up!”
• “You asked for help in a calm voice.”
• “You waited for your turn. That was tough, and you did it.”

What to avoid:

• “You’re so smart!” (Kids may worry about being “not smart” later.)
• “That’s easy!” (It might not feel easy to them.)
• “Let me do it.” (It sends the message: “You can’t.”)

What are easy confidence boosters you can use all day?

Here are simple strategies that fit into your normal schedule.

1) Give “just-right” jobs
Jobs help children feel important and capable:

• Line leader
• Light switch helper
• Snack napkin passer
• Book holder during story time
• Cleanup checker (“Did we get all the crayons?”)

2) Offer small choices
Choices help children feel in control:

• “Do you want markers or crayons?”
• “Do you want to sit here or here?”
• “Do you want to build first or draw first?”

3) Teach children what to say
Many children feel more confident when they have the words:

• “Can I play?”
• “Stop, I don’t like that.”
• “My turn next.”
• “Help me, please.”
• “I need a break.”

4) Use “first, then.”
This supports confidence during hard moments:

• “First, clean up the blocks, then we’ll choose a book.”
• “First wash hands, then snack.”

5) Practice skills in tiny steps
Instead of pushing a big task, break it down:

• Step 1: Watch
• Step 2: Try with a teacher
• Step 3: Try with a buddy
• Step 4: Try alone

This helps children think, “I can do this.” 

How can routines and the classroom setup build confidence?

A calm, predictable classroom helps kids feel brave.

Try these environment boosters:

• Visual schedule (children worry less when they know what’s next)
• Clear labels with pictures (kids can find things without asking)
• Cozy calm space (a safe place to reset, not a punishment)
• Extra materials (two popular trucks, more than one set of markers)
• Simple, steady routines (greeting, clean-up, transitions)

A helpful free tool is the ChildCareEd “Greeting Choice Board.” It lets children choose how they want to say hello (wave, fist bump, no-touch option). That choice can boost confidence right at the start of the day: 

What activities build confidence without pressure? 

Confidence grows when kids feel free to try—without fear of being “wrong.”

Try activities like:

• Open-ended art (no single “right” result)
• Dramatic play (kids try new roles and words)
• Building challenges (“Can you make a bridge for the car?”)
• Helper games (children teach a friend a simple step)
• Movement games (kids feel strong in their bodies)

If you want an easy classroom idea that connects directly to confidence, share this ChildCareEd article with your team: Open-Ended Art Activities That Build Confidence in Preschoolers

How do you support kids who say “I can’t” (or refuse to try)?

When a child says “I can’t,” they often mean “I’m scared I’ll fail.”

Try this quick support plan:

• Connect: “That feels hard.”
• Offer help: “Do you want help starting?”
• Shrink the task: “Let’s do just one piece.”
• Celebrate effort: “You tried—that’s brave.”
• Try again later: “We can take a break and come back.”

Helpful teacher phrases:

• “Let’s try it together.”
• “Show me the first step.”
• “You can do hard things.”

Which ChildCareEd courses can help you build preschool confidence?

If you want more tools and ready-to-use strategies, these ChildCareEd courses match this topic (and are listed in the course catalog):

• Confidence through art and self-esteem: Power of Art: Bldg Self-Esteem & Positive Behavior for ALL Abilities
• Self-regulation skills that help children feel “I can handle this”: From Tantrums to Triumphs: Equipping Preschoolers with Self-Regulation Skills

How can you partner with families to build confidence faster?

Families can help a lot when everyone uses the same supportive message.

Try sharing:

• One “brave moment” each week (“He joined blocks with a friend!”)
• A simple goal (“This week we’re practicing ‘Can I play?’”)
• A tip families can use at home (“Let your child try first, then help.”) 

You can also ask:

• “What makes your child feel proud?”
• “What helps your child calm down?”
• “What is your child practicing right now?”

Where can you get more quick ideas from ChildCareEd?

For more confidence-boosting tips you can use right away, follow ChildCareEd on social media here: https://linktr.ee/childcareed. Tap Follow on your favorite platform so you don’t miss new ideas!