Is praise actually bad for children?

Praise is not bad, but how it is given matters. The session explains the difference between praising effort and process versus only praising outcomes, and why the balance affects a child's long-term confidence.

My child gives up easily when something is hard — will this help?

Yes, this is a common concern and is addressed directly, with practical strategies for supporting a child through frustration without solving the problem for them too quickly.

Is this suitable for shy or anxious children?

The strategies are general and can support a range of temperaments, though for significant anxiety concerns, individual professional support is recommended alongside these everyday approaches.

Can this be used in a group childcare setting?

Yes, several ideas are designed with group settings in mind, including how to encourage independence across a room of children with different confidence levels.

What age group does this workshop suit?

The content applies across the early years and into early primary school age, with examples adapted for different stages.

For parents and educators

Building Confidence and Resilience

Confidence and resilience grow through everyday experiences of trying, struggling, and trying again, supported by the right kind of adult response. This workshop explores how adults can nurture these qualities without over-praising or over-protecting. You will leave with practical, everyday ways to build a child's confidence and resilience, along with a take-home booklet of ideas.

Led by Amy Byrne — BA (Hons) Level 8 in Early Childhood Education and Care, currently studying a Level 9 postgraduate in play therapy, Children First trained and a Mandated Person. One hour, with a take-home booklet and a dated certificate of attendance.

See dates & book Request this as a private session

Who this is for

Suitable for parents wanting to raise confident, capable children, and for early years educators supporting children's independence and self-belief in a group setting.

What we cover in the hour

The difference between confidence, self-esteem, and resilience.
Why over-praising or rescuing too quickly can undermine confidence.
How to support children through struggle without taking over.
Language that builds a growth mindset in young children.
Everyday opportunities for building independence and capability.
Recognising and celebrating effort rather than only outcomes.

What you'll leave with

A clearer understanding of what actually builds resilience.
Practical language for encouraging effort over outcome.
Ideas for stepping back to let children problem-solve.
Everyday opportunities for building independence at home or in a setting.
A take-home booklet with confidence-building activity ideas.

Inside the booklet

The booklet includes growth-mindset language prompts, everyday independence activities, and ideas for celebrating effort rather than outcome.

This workshop draws on Aistear's Identity and Belonging theme, supporting children to see themselves as capable and confident learners.

How it can be delivered

Delivery formats and prices for Building Confidence and Resilience
Format	Price
Public ticket — live onlineOne hour, small group, booklet emailed	€20 per person
Public ticket — in personOne hour in a venue near you, booklet in hand	€35 per person
Private 1:1 with Amy30 minutes €25 · full hour €50 (3 for €135)	from €25
Private group — onlineParent evening or staff session, minimum 5	€35 per person
Private group — in personYour setting or venue, minimum 6	€45 per person

No VAT and no booking fees. An itemised receipt is emailed instantly, and invoices are available before you book. Running this across a whole setting? Setting packages start at €399.

Common questions

Is praise actually bad for children?: Praise is not bad, but how it is given matters. The session explains the difference between praising effort and process versus only praising outcomes, and why the balance affects a child's long-term confidence.
My child gives up easily when something is hard — will this help?: Yes, this is a common concern and is addressed directly, with practical strategies for supporting a child through frustration without solving the problem for them too quickly.
Is this suitable for shy or anxious children?: The strategies are general and can support a range of temperaments, though for significant anxiety concerns, individual professional support is recommended alongside these everyday approaches.
Can this be used in a group childcare setting?: Yes, several ideas are designed with group settings in mind, including how to encourage independence across a room of children with different confidence levels.
What age group does this workshop suit?: The content applies across the early years and into early primary school age, with examples adapted for different stages.

Related workshops

More in this theme: Outdoor learning · All workshop themes · Upcoming dates

Available live online across Ireland, and in person in Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Louth, Cork and other counties.

Trusted early years resources

Every workshop is grounded in Irish early years frameworks and national guidance.

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