Self-Confidence

From taking their first steps to learning how to read, children gain self-confidence as they master new skills. This gives them the courage to continue to explore and expand their abilities. Eight-year-olds can set goals and make a plan for mastering new academic and physical skills. As you encourage their interests and independence, you may also need to help them talk through their frustrations and fears. They may become discouraged when a new skill doesn’t come easily to them or when a classmate or sibling seems "better than me" at a task.