For most parents an inferred yearning is to have a child that is not only physically and mentally strong but also emotionally stable and secure about him/herself. Parents can do a lot to help their child in avoiding feelings that may evoke insecurities. Peer input and approval by a child’s friends and school mates is necessary but it is just a part of the equation. How a child is treated at home by parents and other caregivers; how parents communicate with the child, how they react to a child’s evolving personality and behavior and a lot of other input by parents is what defines a child’s self-confidence. It is the job of the parents to strike a balance where they allow children their own privacy but at the same time be there for them to make them feel good when they are feeling low and gloomy.

All of this needs to be done because having a low self-esteem can make life much more difficult for any person. Without the confidence people rarely realize their potential in life. They may be great public speakers inside but they may never have the security within to boldly stand up and express themselves in public. Strong self-esteem can greatly help a child to be successful at school. Helping your child build inner strength to cope with the turns in life is the best gift you can give as a parent.

Show love - tell your children, as often as possible, that you love them.

Chat & listen - talking together gives the message that you enjoy your child's company and find her/him interesting.

Play - join in your toddler's games or if you have household chores to do, ask her/him to help. Including your children shows you enjoy spending time with them.

Praise - even if your child doesn't manage to do exactly what s/he set out to do, saying things such as "That was a really great try" will encourage her/him to have another go.

Provide choices - help your toddler feel s/he can exert some control over the world. You might ask your child to choose her/his own clothes or offer a choice of shoes, etc.

Provide plenty of activities - trying out lots of things makes it more likely you'll find something your child is good at; even if there are lots of other things s/he can't manage so well yet.

Encourage friendships - being able to make friends and get on with others plays a big role in building self-esteem. Take an interest and, if possible, invite your child's friends at home to play.

Celebrate family life - talking with your children during meal times not only celebrate family life, but also help your child understand that s/he has a special place within it.

SOURCE:
www.bbc.co.uk/parenting/your_kids/toddlers_confidence.shtml
www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/sci_tech/features/health/sexualhealth/parents/commun1.shtml