{"id":31706,"date":"2021-09-21T16:47:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-21T20:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thinkorange.com\/growing-confidence-in-kids\/"},"modified":"2021-09-21T16:47:00","modified_gmt":"2021-09-21T20:47:00","slug":"growing-confidence-in-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thinkorange.com\/blog\/growing-confidence-in-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"Growing Confidence in Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"

As many kids step back into a physical building for school this year, one thing they will desperately need is confidence. They\u2019ve had a year of seeing some really hard stuff in the world, including adults who may not always have handled fear in constructive ways.<\/p>\n

All of this can dent a kid\u2019s confidence. However, if we take some intentional steps to help kids learn to see themselves the way God sees them, we can help them build up real confidence that will carry them throughout their lives.<\/p>\n

So, just how does God see them? What does He want us\u2014adult and kid\u2014to discover about ourselves?<\/p>\n

Helping Grow Confidence in Kids Through Spiritual Truths<\/strong><\/h2>\n

God wants us to know that we are known, we belong, we’re forgiven, we can change, and we can make a difference.<\/p>\n

As children’s ministry leaders, how can we teach these truths to kids in a way that will penetrate through childhood self-doubt? Not to mention all the understandable fear and anxiety of living through a pandemic? Truthfully, there are several practical steps we can take to impress these spiritual truths into the hearts of our kids.<\/p>\n

1. You are known.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Depending on the size of your children\u2019s ministry, you may not know your kids intimately. But each child can be known by someone. Lean into your small group leaders to really get to know the kids in their group beyond Sunday mornings. Challenge them to attend baseball games and school plays and host occasional events for their group.<\/p>\n

Also, encourage all of your children\u2019s ministry staff to learn the names of the kids in your ministry. It will do wonders for kids’ confidence at school on Monday if they walk through the doors on Sunday and feel known. This small step can build confidence in kids.<\/p>\n

2. You belong.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Think about your storytellers, small group leaders, and large group communicators in your kids ministry. When your kids look at these volunteers, do they see people that look like them? Representation matters for making kids feel that they belong. Make sure your volunteers are at least as diverse as your kids are. Welcome people of different races, ethnicities, abilities, and both sexes to be a part of your ministry to help kids feel like they belong.<\/p>\n

In addition, pay attention to how you organize groups for games. For example, mix up ages and abilities so that you\u2019re offering all kids an opportunity to lead and an opportunity to follow. Not every child will want to lead outright, but if you give each child the chance to be an important part of a team, you\u2019ll give them a sense of belonging. This will lead to confidence.<\/p>\n

3. You are forgiven.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Of course, it\u2019s key to share the truth that Jesus died to take the punishment for our sin and then came back to life. Because of that, we can be forgiven and spend eternity with God. But we will never outgrow our need for the Gospel. We need constant reminders that we have been made right with God, and we do not need to earn our forgiveness or our worthiness. Consequently, strive to create a culture of grace within your ministry. Give kids a chance to mess up and then be welcomed back. What better way for kids to grow confidence in who God made them to be than to know they are forgiven?<\/p>\n

4. You can change.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Jesus\u2019 forgiveness moves us toward true repentance. It encourages us to change our ways, like we see in the story of Zacchaeus and others in the Bible. When kids understand that they can change, they’ll be able to find confidence to step into life-giving and lasting patterns of behavior. They\u2019ll discover that they can truly change from the inside out.<\/p>\n

To partner with parents on this idea, here are some things you can suggest to help their child build confidence:<\/p>\n