Psychologist Explains The 5 Simple Parenting Shifts That Boost Kids' Confidence

Almost a third of 11- to 18-year-olds in the UK have little or no confidence.

Parents editor at HuffPost UK

There’s a confidence crisis facing young people. A 2025 report from from youth and education agency Hark, revealed almost one-third of 11- to 18-year-olds in the UK have little or no confidence.

On top of this, life satisfaction among young people is on the decline. New analysis by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) found the number of young people who are satisfied with their lives has fallen from 62% in 2010 to 44% today among 16- to 24-year-olds living in England.

Yet research has demonstrated a strong link between mental health and confidence levels. High levels of symptoms such as anxiety and depression have been associated with low confidence, for example.

So, how can parents best help encourage confidence in children and teens? I reached out to Dr Patapia Tzotzoli, clinical psychologist and founder of My Triage Network, to discuss the best techniques.

1. Praise effort, strategy and persistence

The psychologist said when........

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