How can a child's sense of competence be enhanced?

Enhancing a child's sense of competence is fundamentally about fostering an environment where they can experience success and mastery in their activities. Providing tasks that are appropriately challenging and conducive to genuine achievement allows children to develop skills and confidence. When children engage in activities that they can successfully complete, they recognize their abilities, which strengthens their self-esteem and motivation to take on new challenges.

This approach not only encourages perseverance but also instills a sense of pride in their accomplishments, reinforcing their belief in their own capabilities. Activities that lead to mastery often involve opportunities for practice, feedback, and gradual skill development, which are essential components in building competence.

While watching others can provide ideas or inspiration, it does not build the child's own skills or confidence directly. Focusing solely on competitive games may lead some children to feel inadequate, particularly if they are not as skilled as their peers. Offering less challenging tasks can be disengaging and may result in missed opportunities for growth, as it does not push the child to expand their abilities or experience the satisfaction that comes from overcoming obstacles. Hence, providing activities that promote real success is the most effective way to enhance a child's sense of competence.