The best way to learn about mastery is to experience it. Mastering skills is one of the greatest human experiences and fills us with a sense of confidence that we are strong and capable. The more of these experiences we have, the more we develop self-efficacy and the confidence to take on new challenges.

To help your child have more mastery experiences, start by creating a home environment rich with new experiences to explore. Games, toys and puzzles with increasing levels of steps and complexity and a freedom to explore are great options to have around the house. Lego and crafts are great examples of this type of a toy. Steer away from toys that are designed only for distraction. Parents who arrange for their children to experience various forms of mastery are more apt to develop efficacious youngsters who are confident to stretch their wings.