Every Nigerian parent wants their child to grow up bold, confident, and proud of who they are — especially in a place like the UK, where many children balance two cultures and sometimes struggle with identity or self-worth.
While confidence usually builds over time, research shows there’s a simple 10-second trick that parents can use to instantly lift a child’s self-esteem — and it’s something you can start doing today.
💬 The Trick: Say Their Name + Make Eye Contact
According to a 2025 study published in the Lena Parenting Journal, calling your child by name while making warm, positive eye contact can instantly make them feel seen, valued, and loved.
Think about it — when your child hears their name said with pride or encouragement, it triggers a feeling of recognition and belonging. It tells them, “Mummy or Daddy sees me. I matter.”
❤️ Add Specific Praise
Go one step further by pairing your child’s name with a specific compliment about their effort or behaviour.
Instead of saying:
“Good job!”
Try saying:
“Chidi, I’m really proud of how you finished your homework without giving up.”
This kind of focused praise helps children feel capable, not just appreciated — which builds real confidence, not just momentary excitement.
A Big Life Journal study found that children respond better when praise highlights effort and progress rather than just success. It teaches them resilience and self-belief.
🧠 The Science Behind It
Neuroscience backs it up too. Research from The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry (2023) found that hearing one’s own name activates parts of the brain linked to self-awareness and reward.
When children hear their name in a positive tone, the brain releases dopamine — the “feel-good” chemical — which reinforces self-worth and motivation.
That’s why just 10 seconds of intentional attention can make a big emotional impact.
🎓 Why It Matters for Nigerian Kids in the UK
Many Nigerian children in the UK navigate two worlds — school life where they might stand out because of their name, accent, or culture, and home life where expectations are high.
That’s why affirming your child’s identity daily is powerful. Saying their name proudly, looking them in the eyes, and acknowledging their effort helps them feel secure in who they are — both Nigerian and British.
As one UK-based education expert noted, confident children:
✅ Speak up more in class
✅ Ask for help when needed
✅ Learn faster and perform better
All this starts with a few seconds of intentional connection each day.
🌟 Final Takeaway
Building confidence doesn’t always require grand gestures or long talks. Sometimes, it’s as simple as pausing for 10 seconds to connect:
➡️ Say your child’s name.
➡️ Look them in the eyes.
➡️ Give specific, sincere praise.
Do this daily, and you’ll see your child’s confidence — and smile — grow in ways that last a lifetime. ❤️
For more parenting and family tips for Nigerians in the UK, visit Naija UK Connect 🇳🇬🇬🇧
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