Dreams. Those hopeful, sometimes seemingly impossible thoughts about what the future should or could be for our children—how can we help them believe in and pursue those dreams? As parents, it's natural to feel a mix of emotions when our children share their hopes and aspirations with us – pride that they have ambition combined with worry that their goals may not be achievable. But no matter what fears you may have for your child's future, there are three key ways to increase your child’s confidence so they can give life to those dreams. That’s right: by staying engaged, talking things through rationally, and praising character-based accomplishments—you will empower your child on the journey towards achieving their goals.

1. Help Them Set Realistic Goals
One of the best ways to help your child increase their confidence in their dreams is to help them set realistic goals. This means helping them to identify what they want to achieve and then break that goal down into smaller, more manageable steps. It is important to encourage your child to set goals that are challenging but achievable, as this will help them to build confidence in their ability to achieve their dreams.

2. Encourage Them to Take Risks
Another way to help your child increase their confidence in their dreams is to encourage them to take risks. This means encouraging them to try new things and step outside of their comfort zone. Taking risks can be scary, but it is also an important part of achieving one's goals. Helping your child to see that taking risks is a normal part of the process will help them to feel more confident in their ability to achieve their dreams.

3. Help Them Believe in Themselves
One of the most important ways you can help your child increase their confidence in their dreams is by helping them believe in themselves. This means instilling a sense of self-confidence and self-esteem in your child. You can do this by praising their accomplishments, encouraging them when they face setbacks, and teaching them that they are capable of achieving anything they set their mind to. Or you can simply place a Colorfull Plate down at mealtime to start the conversation, fuss-free.