Rather than merely complimenting a child for doing something, show a deeper interest in what interests the child. For example, if a child draws a picture of a bird, don't just say: "That's a great drawing." Ask the child to tell you more about the picture. If the child seems particularly interested in birds, offer to help her find a book to read together that gives more information about birds or a story featuring bird characters.
Having her interests taken seriously by an adult will build a child's sense of self worth.
When choosing activities for children, try to include really helpful tasks that contribute to the group or family.
Rather than just playing house, for example, even small children can be given real chores, like wiping a table after lunch, folding towels just out of the laundry, putting away clean flatware in a drawer or other simple tasks.
Small but real activities help children feel important and needed.
Rather than only emphasizing the triumphs in a child's life, take seriously his failures too. Sympathize with his disappointment so he feels supported in his frustration. Help him look back at what went wrong and possibly learn from his mistake and do better next time.
Adults' honesty about life's struggles and disappointments will win the confidence of children as they come to experience their own difficulties.
Rather than giving simple compliments, treat children with respect at all times. Saying please and thank you, listening when they have something to say, using a respectful tone of voice and taking their concerns and interests seriously will build children's confidence.
Treating children with consistent respect will also model the behavior you want from them. They will learn to treat others respectfully if they receive respectful treatment from the adults in their lives.