Making your kids laugh is one of the best feelings in the world—but many parents may not know that you can actually build your child’s confidence by acting silly with them. Young kids love to play pretend, and playing along with them while also making them feel strong, smart, or brave can go a long way to make them feel good about themselves. Even though they realize that you’re just joking around, the benefits are still very real.
Here are some examples of what it looks like to boost your kid’s confidence by acting silly.
To make them feel strong
Your child knows you’re bigger and stronger, but letting them get the upper hand in a silly way during physical play can still be a huge boost to their self-esteem. The following types of play will make your child feel strong and powerful—
- Have them blow in your direction and pretend to fall over
- Pretend a toy is very heavy and ask them to help you pick it up
- Challenge them to a race and let them win
To make them feel smart
These fun ideas can reinforce your child’s feelings of being capable and intelligent. Making them feel like the expert can give them a big confidence boost. Here are some ways to do it—
- Sing the wrong words to a song they know
- Put your clothes on the wrong way and ask them how you look
- Offer absurd choices for dinner, like a mud pie or shampoo soup
To make them feel brave
Your child sees you as their protector, so reversing those roles and letting your child act as the brave, confident one during playtime can help them internalize feelings of competence and pride in themselves. Here are some ideas to try—
- Pretend to be startled when they roar like a lion
- Pretend to be a baby that needs their help
- Pretend to be scared of their stuffed animal and ask them to protect you
Acting silly with your child isn’t just about sharing laughs—it’s a powerful way to help them see themselves as strong, smart, and brave. By playing along and letting them take the lead, you’re showing them that you believe in their abilities and value their imagination. These playful moments, while lighthearted on the surface, will leave a lasting impression on your child’s confidence and self-worth.
