In today’s fast-paced, distraction-heavy world, raising a child who is both confident and literate is no longer a passive outcome of school attendance. It’s a deliberate result of consistent parenting habits. In Nigeria, where education quality varies widely and self-esteem challenges among children are rising, parents have an even more critical role to play.
Literate children are not simply those who can read and write, they are children who comprehend, question, express themselves fluently, and engage with the world critically. When you combine literacy with confidence, you raise a child who not only understands ideas but believes their own voice matters. These are the children who grow into change-makers, leaders, problem-solvers. Yet, these outcomes don’t happen by chance. They are often the by-product of intentional, daily habits modelled at home. While no two families are the same, the most successful parents the ones raising children who read well, speak clearly, ask questions, and show up boldly.
They Read to Their Children Early and Often
The foundation of literacy is built long before formal schooling begins. Research shows that children who are read to regularly in the first five years of life have significantly better vocabulary, language comprehension, and critical thinking skills. In fact, a study by the American Academy of Paediatrics found that children read to every day hear about 1.4 million more words by age 5 than those who are not. Parents who raise literate children don’t wait for school. They read storybooks aloud, repeat nursery rhymes, and discuss characters even when their children can’t yet respond fully. This simple, consistent exposure lays neurological pathways for literacy and also reinforces emotional bonding, which builds confidence.
They Talk A Lot and They Listen
Verbal expression fuels literacy. Children develop language from hearing it spoken. Parents who raise articulate and confident children talk frequently with them, not at them. They explain concepts, answer “why” questions with patience, and involve children in conversations about daily life, even politics and community issues. Equally important, they listen. When children feel heard, they feel valued. And when they feel valued, they’re more likely to speak up, read aloud in class, and ask questions, all signs of growing confidence.
They Encourage Questions and Not Just Obedience
In many Nigerian homes, children are raised to be silent observers, not vocal participants. But confident, literate children are those who learn to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and engage critically with what they read or hear. Successful parents nurture curiosity. When a child asks “why?”, they don’t shut them down. They may not have all the answers, but they validate the question and explore it together. This cultivates a growth mindset and reinforces the idea that literacy is not just about reading words but understanding and applying them.
They Monitor Screen Time and Prioritise Reading Time
Parents who raise literate children are not anti-technology, but they set boundaries. Excessive screen time, especially passive scrolling or video watching, is linked to shorter attention spans and weaker language development in children. These parents are intentional about replacing idle screen time with reading individually or as a family. Some enforce daily reading time before bedtime. Others incorporate newspaper headlines into dinner discussions. In homes with limited books, they encourage storytelling, proverb sharing, and oral history. These are tools that also strengthen language comprehension.
They Create a Print-Rich Environment
Children become readers when they are surrounded by words. Parents who prioritise literacy ensure that books, newspapers, labels, posters, or educational materials are part of their child’s environment. Even a child growing up in a low-income setting can benefit from seeing older siblings or adults reading or writing regularly. In literate households, children are invited to write shopping lists, read road signs, help with SMS messages, or explain short articles. Every word becomes an opportunity for practice, and every practice builds mastery.
They Speak Positively About Education and Teachers
Confidence and literacy thrive when the home reinforces the value of learning. Parents who dismiss school, criticise teachers unfairly, or speak negatively about education undermine their child’s motivation to engage in academic life. On the other hand, parents who speak proudly of learning, praise effort, and talk about books and ideas as tools for self-improvement raise children who see literacy as empowering, not just obligatory.
They Model Confidence Without Arrogance
Children learn how to be confident by watching their parents. Those who raise self-assured kids don’t necessarily have high-status jobs or wealth. What they have is emotional presence. They teach their children how to advocate for themselves, how to bounce back from setbacks, and how to speak up without fear. Whether it’s making eye contact, standing up to injustice, or asking a teacher for clarification, children who witness respectful assertiveness at home are more likely to practise it in school and beyond.
They Invest Time, Not Just Money
You don’t need to be rich to raise a confident, literate child. What matters more is presence. Parents who ask about their child’s day, help with homework, attend school meetings, and make time to play or read together send a powerful message: “You matter. Your mind matters.” Even in busy homes, simple routines like discussing one book chapter a week or taking turns to read aloud can significantly impact literacy growth and confidence development.
They Embrace Their Child’s Unique Learning Style
Not every child learns the same way. Some are visual learners, others auditory or kinesthetic. Some learn through music, others through storytelling or drawing. Confident children often come from homes where their natural talents and learning styles are respected and not forced into a rigid mould. These parents notice strengths, whether academic or creative, and build on them. They don’t dismiss a slow reader or shy child as “dull.” Instead, they scaffold support and celebrate progress however small.
They Teach Responsibility and Independence Early
Confidence grows when children feel capable. Literate children become more fluent when they take ownership of their learning. Parents who gradually teach responsibility like setting reading goals, managing a small allowance, or planning a daily routine help children develop autonomy. This independence also translates into better classroom performance, stronger self-expression, and a higher likelihood of life-long learning.
