The Power of Confidence

Confidence is very powerful. It can make you push further and work harder in order to achieve your goal. When something gets harder, your confidence can get you through. When was the last time you didn't feel confident in something? Most of you probably quit or left it alone for quite a while before trying again if you had no confidence in what you were doing.

Lack of confidence is very harmful in education. If a child doesn't believe they are smart or that they could achieve, it is a very difficult or even impossible battle for them. In a study, Orbitofrontal Cortex Is Required for Optimal Waiting Based on Decision Confidence, they discovered that confidence is more than an emotion, it's measurable in brain activity. Tested in rats and humans, those with confidence were able to wait longer and go through larger obstacles in order to achieve a goal. This can also be shown in casinos. They work hard to build your confidence in winning. They lure you in with word how others have won and their "loose slots" and hearing people win around you, even in small amounts. You feel confident you will win money and spend more and more because you are so sure you will win. Those who don't feel confident in winning, may spend much less and leave after a short time, if they even go at all.

I remember teaching a friend once how to crochet. When she first started out, she had it in her mind that it was too hard or too difficult to do. Just getting her started or holding onto a hook and yarn was frustrating and easily frustrated her. Once I stopped her and built up her confidence by assuring her she could do it and that it only gets easier, she approached with a much more determined attitude and crocheted an entire scarf that day. She now does blankets and other works too. All she needed, was confidence in herself.

We recently went through this struggle with my oldest son, who is 4. A few weeks ago, he completely stopped reading books independently. He is reading at a third grade reading level and above and usually reads 30 or more books a week easily. However, he would only "read" if I read to him. I couldn't understand why he quit and questioning him would only make him shut down. It was finally after two weeks after finally bringing in his teacher for encouragement also that he finally talked to me about it. Someone told him, he didn't have the "power to read." Four is a very fragile age and they can be easily swayed by someone's influence. This absolutely broke my heart. Of course, this mama bear is also raging inside and hopes to never find out who did this to my boy for their safety (Haha).

So of course we sat down and we had a talk. We talked about what tools do we need to read: his brain and eyes. He had those things, and we both agreed he was a smart boy. Then I explained that just because someone says something, it doesn't mean it's true. He knows he can read, so why would he believe someone that he can't? I cannot explain to you the feeling I saw in his eyes when that light of confidence came back, I know I will never forget it. He ran into the other room and started reading. He read 10 books that night and read chapter books the next day.

As their primary educator and influence, we are the ones that build them up. Don't forget to continue to encourage your little geniuses as much as you can. Unfortunately, there are many people and children out there that have no problem tearing others down and making them feel less than. Continue building them up and encouraging them so not only will they keep that confidence throughout their life, no one will be able to take it away.

Just like you should build confidence in your child, you need to believe in yourself. That is one of the main reasons I started Little Geniuses. By giving you tools, examples, and encouragement, I hope and pray that I am building your confidence in teaching and working with your little geniuses. You child can do it, and so can you!