Overconfident
Before You Begin
Pause and breathe. Even if this shouldn't be happening... accept that it is and embrace it with composure and calmness.
Calmness is the only way forward because without calm, there is no possibility for receptiveness and connection. Your child won't give to you any more than they see from you.
Never forget that a strong connection is fundamental, as there will be no correction in them if there is no connection with you.
The Core Problem
The child is actually trying to hide feelings of insecurity or self-doubt.
What Will Make It Worse
Reacting with criticism or belittling the child's overconfidence will worsen the situation by magnifying the core problem.
What The Child Needs
1. To embrace humility: Encourage the child to recognize their strengths while also acknowledging that, like everyone, there are going to be things that they aren't as good at. They need to understand that while it is important to believe in yourself, it is just as important to know when it's time to ask for help, accept outside guidance, applaud others for their strengths, or learn something from someone else.
2. To self-reflect and address their insecurities: Let them know that everyone has insecurities that make them uncomfortable and they want to hide... it's a part of being human. It doesn't do any good to cover them up with an excessive level of confidence as a solution. Ask them to think if there have been times recently where they projected huge confidence as a way to feel better about themselves. If so, work with them make a plan to directly address or solve for what it is that's making them feel that way.
3. Positive reinforcement: Offer positive reinforcement and recognition for BOTH the times when the child demonstrates humility, and when appropriate, confidence in themselves.
How To Have The Conversation With Your Child
Find a private space, without distractions, where the child feels comfortable talking freely.
Begin the conversation with empathy, saying that at times everyone feels self-doubt or insecurity. Give examples from your life if you can.
Share with them that recently you have noticed their confidence seems to spike and that you think it may actually be because they are dealing with their insecurities or self-doubt.
Next, talk through the topics of humility and self-reflection listed above.
The goal is for the child to come away from the conversation maintaining the healthy confidence they have in themselves, but also, better prepared to identify and address moments of insecurity constructively.