Helping our children build confidence - a firm belief in their own power and abilities - is one of the most important qualities we can instil in them as they grow up and develop characteristics.

Consistently providing positive experiences, within a nurturing environment, from the earliest age possible, is the best way to lay strong foundations from which self-confidence can mature.

We all want our children to grow up to be successful, happy and ideally reaching their full potential.

Those who are encouraged to take up challenges, attempt tasks or experience different situations and those who receive plenty of praise and support, are more likely to develop healthy self-esteem and self-confidence, than children who are consistently criticised or punished if they do not meet parental expectations.

In these cases, children are more likely to have low self-esteem, lack of belief in their abilities and face the world with fear and insecurity.

A sense of security has a profound effect on a child's level of confidence because a child who feels safe and loved develops confidence naturally. Children need abundant opportunities to explore, make mistakes and practise activities over and over again in order to master skills.

They may fail as part of the process, but be confident over the fact that they will be supported, praised for their effort and encouraged to try again. Each individual child achieves at his or her own pace and must be encouraged to do so, without feeling pressurised.

When we step in to complete a task for a child or rush them along before they are ready, we rob them of the chance to develop confidence. Instead, try to let go, trust your child's abilities and allow them to have control over their own actions.

Most importantly, celebrate each milestone, no matter how small. Every celebration will go a long way in encouraging a healthy sense of self-esteem and self-confidence in your child.

Whether it is building the confidence in a new born baby or boosting the confidence of an older child, here are some tips to help your child build confidence:

Avoid comparing: Children develop at different pace and in different areas so don't worry about how they meet the benchmark their measure up to their peers or siblings have set. No one likes to be compared unfavourably to someone else. A comment such as, "Why can't you sit still at the table like your sister?" is likely to diminish confidence, whereas, "Wow, I think you have managed to sit properly at the table for almost the whole of dinner! Well done!" will boost confidence.

Avoid undermining ability: In our busy lives we have to remember children take longer to do things than adults. Try to allow plenty of time to get ready before leaving the house, to avoid rushing your child as they put on their shoes, for example. If jumping in too soon, to help them, undermines their ability to practise, improve and feel good about their achievement.

Establish and follow routines: Young children thrive on routine. The regular and consistent practice of a task helps children predict what will happen next and enables them to develop a sense of security. Once children become familiar with the routine their ability to control their own lives confidently increases.

Encourage social interaction: When children are exposed to a variety of social situations, their level of confidence will increase as they begin to feel more at ease with adults and peers outside of their family circle. You may initially need to take part yourself, until your child is ready to socialise independently.

Plan regular exposure to new situations: Children grow confidence the more they are exposed to a wide variety of experiences and new situations that enable them to gain an understanding of the world around them. Plan lots of different activities you can share together to avoid feelings of anxiety in your little one.

Quality time together: Take the time to really listen and connect with your child. Mobile phones and tablet devices tend to take over our attention, even when we are supposed to be sharing a fun activity with our children or if they come to us with a sincere question. Unless we take the time to be fully present with our children, how can we truly validate their opinions, ideas and thoughts?

In conclusion, when children grow up encouraged and supported within a close loving family, surrounded by physical and emotional warmth and care; when they experience a variety of social situations and have exposure to different activities; and when they are supported through regular and consistent routines, they are more likely to flourish with confidence in every aspect of life.

We can assist this development further when we talk and listen to our children, learning in turn to understand their strengths, interests and characters. By respecting their individuality and setting realistic goals, we enable them to grow from strength to strength, feeling good about themselves in the process as they make their way along the path to success and happiness.

Fiona Walker is the Principal of Schools of Julia Gabriel Education. She holds a Masters in Early Childhood Education and is a qualified Montessori teacher with more than 20 years of experience in providing quality education for young children.