Re: How to instill self confidence in a child?
During my childhood, I had kids of all ages around me - this helped with my social skills, how to solve conflicts, share things, compromise - understand life isn't always fair. All these elements help increase a person's confidence and helps them form a stronger sense of self. All of us kids played together, explored things and honestly I never felt lonely or bored - best and most important thing for a child. Yeah, we got into tons of trouble, fights, ended up with minor injuries but it was all worth it.
I have also noticed a big difference between people who come from larger families (4+ siblings) and smaller families. During high school, I noticed that the person who was the biggest follower/needy was an only child. He was least enthusiastic about going home after school, always wanting to be out-and-about, generally less likely to stand up for what he wants, etc. etc. Usually kids and parents try to subsititute these holes with material things, which is a whole new disaster on its own.