He couldn’t sit still long enough to finish writing three lines. But he remembered every move of a dance he made up himself.
It was one of those mornings. You know the kind.
The pencil kept rolling off the table. The eraser became a racing car.
I had prepped everything for a smooth start to his writing practice. Three lines. That’s all we needed.
Instead, he jumped up mid-word, cranked up Jack Hartmann on the speaker, and began performing.
Each letter of the alphabet got its own move.
B was a bounce. M was a moonwalk attempt. Z was… let’s just say dramatic.
I almost stepped in to stop him.
Wasn’t this just another way to avoid the task? But something made me pause.
Because for the first time that morning, he wasn’t distracted.
He was engaged. Focused. Joyful.
And strangely proud of what he had created.
The Confidence Crisis We Don’t Talk About
So many parents I meet feel stuck.
“My child doesn’t believe in themselves.”
“They’re always saying I can’t or I’m not good at it.”
“They compare themselves to others and shut down.”
This silent confidence crisis in children often hides beneath behaviour we label as silly, lazy, inattentive, or dramatic.
And here’s what I’ve learned, especially raising a child with ADHD, confidence doesn’t always come from achievement.
It often begins in moments of creative success.
Where there’s no correct answer.
No red mark.
No correction.
Just expression. Just being.
Why Creativity Helps Build Confidence
- It Offers Autonomy Without Pressure
When a child paints, dances, builds, writes, or invents, they decide what it becomes.
This choice and control give them a rare feeling of “I made this. I figured this out.”
- It’s Risk Without Real Fear
In play, mistakes don’t feel like failures.
A story that doesn’t make sense, a drawing that looks “funny,” or a sculpture that won’t stand its all part of the game.
And each attempt strengthens emotional tolerance and self-trust.
- It Strengthens Problem Solving and Focus (Yes, Really)
Many kids who seem distracted in structured tasks can focus for long stretches when creating.
Why? Because they’re internally motivated.
They’re leading the process.
This self-direction builds executive function in gentle, natural ways.
- It Validates Emotions Without Needing Words
A worried child might not say, “I feel anxious today.”
But they might draw a thunderstorm, stomp in a dance, or create a villain in a story.
And every time we see that expression without judgment, they learn “My feelings matter. I am heard.”
So, What Can You Do Today?
Here’s an activity that’s worked wonders in my home and with the children I work with:
The “I Made This” Jar
What You Need:
- A clean jar or box
- Slips of paper
- Colour pencils, crayons
How It Works: Each day, invite your child to write or draw one thing they made or imagined.
It could be:
- A doodle
- A Lego creature
- A silly poem
- A dance step
- A joke
- A sandwich creation
- A new game with their toys
They drop it into the jar.
Every weekend, sit down together and pull out a few.
Read. Laugh. Appreciate.
No scores. No corrections. Just shared pride.
The Real Win
That dance-alphabet routine my son did? He remembered every move the next day.
We turned it into a phonics revision.
We called it “The Alphabet Show.”
And when he took the lead, his posture changed.
Shoulders back. Eyes shining.
Confidence doesn’t always roar.
Sometimes, it twirls.
Your Turn
What’s the quirkiest or most creative thing your child has made recently? Let’s celebrate it.
And if you’d like to talk more about how to help your child feel confident, expressive, and understood?
You don’t need to be perfect. You need presence.
And creativity might just be your best parenting ally yet.
Recommended Tools & Courses
Creative Kits for Hands‑On Confidence
Boost your child’s creative confidence with these engaging art & craft kits:
- Craftwings Mega Art & Craft Kit – 35‑in‑1: Packed with pastel sheets, pom-poms, scissors and more, this kit encourages independent crafting, decision-making and self-expression at an accessible price point, ideal for daily creative play.
- Clementoni Idea Creatiestudio Marker Studio: A premium art studio set, offering rich creative experiences and encouraging imaginative design, ideal for the child who loves drawing and storytelling.
Free Online Courses to Support You as You Support Your Child
Wish to better understand how creativity, play, and self-regulation work in childhood development? These courses offer insight and practical strategies:
- “Play in Early Childhood” provides a comprehensive overview of how pretend play fosters focus, emotional expression, creativity, and self-regulation.
- “Free Arts and Crafts Courses” help you learn how to reflect on creative work, both yours and your child’s, boosting confidence and self-awareness through artistic expression.
Why These Matter
| Tool / Course | How It Supports Creativity and Confidence |
| Creative Kits | Provide autonomy, choice, and “I made this” moments that strengthen self-belief. |
| Courses | Equip you with a research-based understanding of play, art, and emotional growth tools that you can bring into your everyday parenting. |
What To Do Next
- Pick a kit and set aside a dedicated “make time” each week, with no screens and no pressure.
- Label their creations and celebrate them.
- Enrol in one of the courses and reflect on how your child’s play aligns with what you learn.
When children have the confidence to make, imagine, and try, they discover just how capable they truly are.
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