With school hitting us like a ton of bricks, children are returning with uncertainty. Forget about starting a new grade, think about the children starting a new grade and a new school. There is a clean slate in front of them and some children will begin the road a bit rocky. Reviewing what happened in math last year may be a complete loss until kids get back in the groove. It might take a week or two for children to build up the confidence that they can remember and improve on everything they learned last year. Help your child to soar.

Positive reinforcement during turbulent times at school can help give the extra boost your child will need to get past the jungle of rough times into the meadow of smooth sailing. Scholastic has a great article on how parents can help build self-confidence just by adjusting situations that arise, like bad grades and lack of effort, all by using positve words to reinforce change.

I, personally, have started to use this reinforcement as school begins next week for my two children. My oldest is exhausting when it comes to school as the last two grade levels have been a continuous struggle with him. In the Scholastic article you will meet David. David and my son are exactly alike when it comes to how they feel about themselves. My son feels he is a failure when it comes to school simply because it does not click.

One thing I want my son to understand is that sometimes things won’t click and that is OK. He doesn’t need to be the smartest kid. I just want him to know that his effort is what will excite me. Knowing that he wants to at least try is an accomplishment in its own. If he gets it wrong today, the effort he puts forth tomorrow, will help him succeed in the future.

Parents: Do your children struggle with their self-confidence? What tips do you have? Share your thoughts!

This is an original The Parent Spot post.