This month's body and Soul secret comes from the little gem of a book: Recipe for good parenting by Cheryl Saban.

Parenthood is the one job on earth that seems to occur naturally, often without much effort, usually with a certain level of joy, and perhaps with a defining moment of exhilaration. And most of us feel entitled to achieve it. Yet this occupation, job, duty, honour, blessing and/or miracle requires more strength, patience, love, selflessness and energy than any other endeavour you may ever undertake. You will be rewarded with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. But guess what? You wouldn’t give it up, not if your life depended on it.

Here are Cheryl's tips on Building confidence.

Encourage your kids to reach for their dreams, and give them the security of knowing that they’ll still be loved, even if they sometimes fail.

Give your children confidence.

Don’t always demand perfection. What is perfection, anyway? Remember that every child is unique, different and special in his or her own way. Celebrate that specialness in your child, and just expect them to be the best they can be!

Good parenting requires patience and a sense of humour ... even at 3am in the morning.

Give unlimited hugs and kisses.

Show your child the world! Let your child try new experiences and enjoy the world around them. Self-esteem and self-confidence are derived from personal discoveries and individual triumphs.

Be your child’s advocate, not his or her adversary. From time to time, they need to experiment, and they may – (will) – test their boundaries. Try to put yourself in their shoes, and be understanding.

Remember what it was like to be a child.

Give positive feedback. We learn and grow and are willing to change because we want to – not because we are bullied into it. You can help boost your child’s self-esteem and confidence. Point out the good things, rather than the bad. Give praise to your children rather than disapproval. (By the way, this works for adults too!)