Advice and resources : Confidence and self-esteem in movement

Overview

If your child has difficulties with moving, they may need a bit of help and encouragement to build a positive self-esteem.

Self-esteem is how we feel about ourselves, and how we perceive what others think of us. If we feel good about our achievements and ourselves, we improve our our inner drive to meet challenges and succeed.

What you might see

It’s easy for children with motor difficulties to lose confidence in themselves, particularly when they're surrounded by others who seem to function differently.

A child with self-esteem and confidence issues may be withdrawn, or reluctant to join in with activities.

How you can help

When we’re teaching children to do different movements, we often set expectations too high.

This can be really stressful for children who already have difficulties with movement, and can make them frustrated.

Think about whether:

• the skills being taught age-appropriate
• your child ready to attempt that level of motor competence
• you are giving consistent, and encouraging feedback

Learn at their own pace

Your child needs you to help boost their confidence.

It's important to give them the chance to practice the things that they find hard, and do it in a caring environment where there’s no pressure to achieve a certain standard in a set time.

Your child needs the opportunity to practice the skills at their own pace.

You can boost their confidence and overcome their feelings of failure by doing fun activities in a relaxed and patient way.

Follow their interests

You should praise every attempt your child makes rather than waiting for the 'perfect' result, as this encourages them not to give up.

It’s also important to focus on your child’s strengths and specific interests and not get too caught up in the things they find challenging.

If they take a strong interest in a particular activity, keep encouraging them.

It can help build their confidence, independence, and make friendships with children with similar interests.

Activities to try

Roles

Everyone can play a role in a game.

• Allow the child to take on a leadership role in physical education activities, like captain of the team or the umpire, to develop organisational or managerial skills
• Staff should take a nurturing approach to help children further develop their skills

Clear aim

A clear focus can help children improve their focus.

• When a child understands clearly what they need to do, it's easier to plan the movement
• Keep the environment as predictable as possible when teaching a new skill
• Introduce changes gradually after each part of the skill has been mastered

Fun, over competition

• Focus on participation, not competition, when doing fitness and skill-building activities
• Try movement games that are play-based, rather than competitive in nature
• Encourage them to compete with themselves, not others
• Try individual sports, such as golf, cross-country running
• Break down the physical activity into smaller parts, while keeping each part meaningful and achievable
• Set up success for the child at least 50% of the time and reward effort, not skill

Stay positive

• Give positive, encouraging feedback
• Provide clear instructions, like 'you need to lift your arms higher'
• Encourage children to slow down and not rush with activities that require body coordination or when learning a new motor skill
• Use a graded approach to achieve success
• Provide extra time to practice and to place them in groups with pupils who are of a similar ability

When to ask for help

If you’ve tried all of these techniques and you’re still not seeing any improvement after four months, do speak to your health visitor or GP.