How to boost your child's confidence
ADvTECH Group • February 19, 2020
Rose Armitage - Crawford Ruimsig College
Our children are part of a generation that have been blamed of being entitled and self-interested, through no doing of their own. This amazing group of young children are under pressure to meet the requirements of a society to succeed without really finding joy or deep fulfilment in work and life. An environment that cares more about the short-term gains and instant gratification, where self-confidence is compromised, and coping mechanisms to deal with stress are ignored. Where the challenges of the digital world have led to the lack of deep meaningful relationships being formed. Crawford staff, parents and students must endeavour to equip our students with the skill set necessary to contest the societal and environmental challenges placed upon them through a variety of opportunities.
Self-confidence comes from a sense of proficiency. A confident child needs a positive and realistic perception of his or her abilities. Your support and encouraging words can help develop their confidence, especially when you refer to your child's specific efforts or abilities like acknowledging and praising your child for improving from one test to the next. Consider your compliments and keep them meaningful by giving praise when praise is due.
Our student’s longing to give back to society and their sense of social responsibility provide an opportunity to practise relationship building skill sets through the Gateway Outreach programme and contributing to the charity drives on offer at Crawford Ruimsig. These projects assist with the understanding that in the real world they will be subject to finding out that you are not special to everybody all the time and you can’t just have something because you want it.
Our students need social skills that are missing due to the over use of social media. The challenge that our children face is that they are growing up in a digital world, which make our students good at putting filters on things. They are good at showing people that life is amazing even though they are unhappy.
Our academic programme continues to assist our students to live purposeful, self-regulated lives through the promotion of problem solving and the encouragement to strive to be the best that they can be. Our subject choice information evenings and rocking Road Show, help students to early on identify possible career paths, helping our students to stay focussed, as they envision themselves doing something important or fulfilling. Confidence is gained by the thought process of being a contributing member of society rather that of being the stereo typed success. Hence the freedom to change direction is encouraged. Crawford has a wide variety of sporting, cultural and service activities which encourages our students to find something that they really love. Students who have a passion feel proud of their expertise and are more likely to be successful in other areas of their life.
Our students need to know that failure is a learning opportunity, however, guide your child to set reasonable goals to help avoid feelings of failure. If the goal is a stretch, discuss some reachable short-term steps along the path. Talk about the skills and talents and efforts needed to achieve those accomplishments. In the same conversation, you can remind your child of the skills he or she possesses and how they can be developed and used. No one succeeds at everything all the time. There will be setbacks and failures, criticism and pain. Use these hurdles as learning experiences rather than dwelling on the events as failures or disappointments. Self-confident children are willing to try new things without fear of failure.
Confidence in relationships is key to your child's self-confidence. The most important initial relationship is the loving parent-child relationship. Help your child learn to maintain an inner core of confidence when someone else's actions affect them.
The partnership, made up of student, parent and school, faces the difficult task of teaching our students that the things that really matter in life, like faith, love, patience, job fulfilment, joy, love of life, self-confidence, and many others, takes time. Success is not instant gratification, it takes time.
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: DYLAN BIZJAK Crawford International Sandton From the classrooms of Crawford International Sandton to the forefront of aeronautical engineering in the Netherlands, Dylan Bizjak’s journey is one of ambition, resilience and innovation . Pursuing a Passion for Engineering After matriculating in 2019, Dylan initially pursued Aeronautical Engineering at Wits University. However, six months into his studies, a new opportunity emerged, one that would take him beyond South Africa’s borders. He secured a place at Inholland University of Applied Sciences in Delft, Netherlands, where he embraced the challenge of international study, even navigating his first year remotely due to the pandemic. Now a graduate with a BSc in Aeronautical Engineering (2024), Dylan has stepped into the professional world, joining Eve Reverse, a pioneering start-up dedicated to climate-positive innovation. What began as an internship in his final year evolved into a full-time role as a Research and Development Engineer, where he contributes to the creation of sustainable, carbon-negative materials. His proudest achievement? Playing a key role in the development of the Eve Dry Tile, an innovative flax fibre material designed to reduce emissions and waste in manufacturing. Achievements at Crawford International Sandton Gareth Beach Award (2019) – Recognised for bravery, dedication, self-development and outstanding achievement in swimming. Sportsman of the Year (2019) – Acknowledged for excellence in swimming, basketball and boxing. Reflections on Crawford Dylan credits his time at Crawford for preparing him for both academic and personal success on the global stage. “Crawford’s approach equips you for university and beyond, whether in South Africa or internationally. It’s not just about academics but about becoming a well-rounded critical thinker and team player. Exposure to diverse cultures, teamwork, individuality and taking responsibility for my outcomes were invaluable lessons I carried with me.” Words of Wisdom To his younger self, Dylan would say: “Step out of your comfort zone sooner. Growth happens when you challenge yourself. Leaving home was tough, but the personal and professional growth was worth every stumble along the way.” Dylan’s story is a testament to courage, hard work and the power of embracing the unknown. From South Africa to the Netherlands, he is proving that the sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.
Let’s try and make sense of career guidance by giving you some information on how to choose your Grade 10 to 12 subjects. Read on to find some helpful pointers.
Empower yourself as a parent by learning how to determine your child's personality type. Read more at Crawford International.
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Discover essential insights and practical tips to help you navigate your child’s first year at school, from enrollment steps to building a positive learning environment.
A Guide To Parent Teacher Meetings The new academic term has just started a few weeks ago, and families with school-going children are settling into their routines. However, as students transition back to the classroom, another important aspect of the school calendar looms, parent teacher meetings. While these meetings are integral to nurturing strong collaboration between families and schools, they can also bring a mix of emotions, from curiosity to unease, for parents. In South Africa, where over 12 million students attend public and private schools (Department of Basic Education, 2023), the importance of such interactions cannot be overstated. These sessions offer invaluable insights into a child’s academic progress, social development, and overall well-being. What Are Parent Teacher Meetings? Parent teacher meetings are structured conversations between parents and their child’s teachers, aimed at discussing the student’s academic performance, behaviour, and overall development. These meetings create an opportunity for open communication, ensuring that both parties can collaborate effectively to support the student’s educational journey. They are not just a platform for addressing concerns but also for celebrating achievements and setting shared goals. What Do They Entail at Crawford? At Crawford International, parent teacher meetings are designed to be more than just routine check-ins. They reflect our commitment to fostering strong partnerships with families. During these sessions, parents meet with teachers to gain a holistic view of their student’s progress, not only academically but also socially and emotionally. Teachers share personalised feedback, highlight areas of growth, and discuss strategies to address challenges. These meetings are tailored to align with our ethos of developing well-rounded students, emphasising collaboration to ensure every child reaches their potential. How Often Are They? Parent teacher meetings at Crawford typically occur once per term, although additional sessions may be scheduled based on specific needs or requests. Regularity ensures that parents stay informed about their child’s journey throughout the academic year. These consistent touchpoints help to build trust and maintain a steady flow of communication between parents and teachers. How Best Should Parents Prepare for Them? Preparation is key to making the most of parent teacher meetings. Here are a few practical tips: Review Reports and Notes – before the meeting, review any recent academic reports, test results, or communication from the school. This provides a foundation for meaningful discussions. Prepare Questions – jot down specific questions or concerns you want to address. For example, ask about areas where your child excels or struggles and how you can support them at home. Engage with Your Child – have a conversation with your child about their experiences at school. Understanding their perspective can provide valuable context for the meeting. Be Open-Minded – approach the meeting with a collaborative mindset. Remember, the goal is to work together with the teachers to support your child’s growth. Take Notes – during the meeting, take notes on key points discussed, including recommendations from teachers. This ensures you can follow through on agreed actions. Parent teacher meetings are more than a requirement; they are an investment in a child’s future. By approaching these sessions with preparation and a collaborative spirit, parents can play an active role in shaping their child’s educational journey. As families across South Africa embrace this vital part of the school experience, let’s work together to make each interaction meaningful and impactful.
