5 Communication Habits That Build Lifelong Confidence in Your Student
Raising confident students is one of the most meaningful ways you can support emotional growth in your student’s life. While self-assurance can look different for every young person, its roots are often planted in how preteens and early teens communicate with the people around them.
Confidence isn’t something preteens and early teens are born with—it’s something they build over time, through experiences, feedback, and daily habits. One of the most powerful ways to help your young person grow into a self-assured, capable adult is by nurturing strong communication habits early on. From listening actively to asking thoughtful questions, the way your young person learns to connect with others shapes how they see themselves and their ability to influence the world., the way your young person learns to connect with others shapes how they see themselves and their ability to influence the world.
In a world where screens often replace face-to-face conversations, building genuine communication skills has never been more important. These five simple but powerful habits can help your young person develop emotional intelligence, resilience, and leadership from the inside out.
1. Practice Active Listening
Teaching your young person to truly listen—not just hear—is one of the most important skills you can pass on. Active listening means giving someone your full attention, making eye contact, nodding, and responding with empathy.
Start by modeling this at home. When your young person talks to you, put away distractions and really tune in. Over time, they’ll start doing the same with others.
Bloomster’s Communication Foundations Course helps preteens and early teens build this skill step by step, using age-appropriate scenarios and practical tools.
2. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Encouraging your young person to ask questions—and making sure they’re thoughtful, open-ended ones—helps spark deeper conversations and cultivates curiosity. Instead of “Did you have a good day?” try “What was your favorite part of the day?”
Helping your young person learn how to ask questions that invite stories and feelings builds empathy and strengthens social awareness. For deeper insights on how this supports social connection, Bloomster’s Empathy eBook offers practical techniques for nurturing compassionate communication.
3. Express Emotions Clearly and Respectfully
Preteens and early teens often feel things intensely but don’t always have the words to express themselves. Encouraging your young person to name their feelings and communicate them in respectful ways is a key part of emotional development.
Create space for conversations like, “I feel nervous about my presentation” or “I was frustrated when that happened.” This helps preteens and early teens manage their emotions and builds their confidence in navigating difficult situations.
Bloomster’s Relationship Management eBook gives families actionable ways to support students in navigating relationships with empathy, clarity, and respect.
4. Reframe Mistakes as Growth Opportunities
Confident communicators aren’t afraid to speak up—even if they mess up. Teach your young person that making mistakes is part of learning. When they stumble over words or misread a situation, talk about it openly and without shame.
Reframing these moments as growth opportunities builds resilience. Bloomster’s Learn to Love Learning Course reinforces a growth mindset and shows how curiosity and self-reflection lead to long-term success.
5. Practice Leadership Through Everyday Actions
Leadership isn’t just about taking charge—it’s about listening, understanding, and guiding others with confidence. Encourage your young person to take small leadership roles at home, in school, or in their friend groups.
This could be as simple as leading a family discussion, helping a younger sibling, or organizing a group project. Each experience teaches them that their voice matters.
Explore Bloomster’s Leadership Skills Course to help your young person develop their confidence and communication in tandem.
Conclusion
As your young person continues to grow, the ability to express themselves clearly and connect with others becomes more important than ever. Developing strong communication habits at a young age not only prepares them for school and social life but also empowers them to handle challenges with poise and maturity.
Strong communication doesn’t develop overnight—but with intention and practice, it becomes a powerful part of who your young person is. These five habits—listening actively, asking better questions, expressing emotions, reframing mistakes, and practicing leadership—lay the foundation for a lifetime of meaningful connection and self-assurance.
Bloomster’s suite of courses and eBooks, from Communication Foundations to Empathy and Leadership Skills, offers the support and tools you need to help your young person grow into a confident, compassionate communicator.
