the level of a childs confidence can affect everything from grades to friendship building. feeling self confident will allow the child to explore new territory such as sports, clubs and camps. even the shyest child will benefit from praise for the simplest of tasks. if a parent begins the process of building confidence at a very young age it will be a foundation for which they can build on for a life time. encouraging toddlers to express themselves in art, dance and play is the simplest way to begin. a parent who displays a childs art in the home is one example of confidence building. allowing a child to put on a play or dance recital in the home is also a wonderful start. displaying the childs playdough creations along side your home decor, or replacing a figurine on a shelf with something they have made will give them a huge boost of self worth. each child will soon find a subject or activity they feel they excel in which can be the beginning of a life long  hobby. while verbal praise is a wonderful, necessary part of a childs happiness, the visual encouragement will be beneficial in more ways than you can imagine.