How To Help Kids Build Self-Esteem
Having healthy self-esteem is so important for kids. When kids see themselves as inherently important and worthy, they are better able to cope with feelings of disappointment, shame, and hurt. In moments where they face challenges or experience failure, self-esteem is what will help them see these situations as opportunities for growth.
Here are three simple activities you can do with kids to help them build their self-esteem:
Have Them Write Down All The Things They Like About Themselves
Having kids write down a list of the things they like about who they are is such an important practice! Over time, it will positively change the way they view themselves, and it will help quiet that inner voice of doubt and fear that we all have. To start this practice today, print out the sheet below for the kids in your life!
Help Them Set and Achieve a Goal
Self-esteem shouldn’t always be linked to achievements. This can set up an unrealistic reliance on the need to achieve things to feel value. But having a kid set a goal that aligns with their interests and values, and then working to meet it can instill in them a sense of purpose and worth, which are big building blocks of self-esteem. One thing to keep in mind: this should be a goal that is important to them, and they should be reminded that the journey is as important as the outcome. Use the sheet below to get started!
Have Them Identify Their Values
One way to establish a sense of self is to know the things that are important to you. These values can serve as a guiding light at times when life becomes difficult, confusing, or painful. Values help inform decisions, and over time, decisions shape a life.
Have kids use the below activity sheet to decide exactly what is important to them, and then talk to them about the ways their words and choices can support their values.
Building and maintaining healthy self-esteem is essential for a happy life. These activities will help ensure that kids learn to value themselves at a time when they are growing and learning how to process emotions and thoughts. For more self-esteem bulding activities, make sure to check out the title below!
Help your Pre-K to 2nd grade students learn to build relationships, identify their emotions, resolve conflicts, and make responsible decisions that will set them up for success in school and in life with this teacher-approved, curriculum-based workbook.
Help the young student in your life prepare for school with this friendly, colorful, and re-useable activity book that introduces and reinforces basic social skills through hands-on activities like tracing, coloring, fill-in-the blank prompts, and much more. With a focus on the 5 essential areas of Social and Emotional Learning—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills—the Get Ready for School: Social and Emotional Learning Wipe-Off Workbook offers a wide variety of exercises that will help your child:
- Learn to identify their thoughts, emotions, and feelings, and to express them in a healthy way
- Grow comfortable with managing their behavior in different situations so they can make smart choices and treat themselves and others with respect
- Recognize and understand the emotions of others, and appreciate the differences in perspective that sometimes arise in social situations
- Nurture a curious and open-minded approach to others while still making responsible decisions, focusing on their individual goals, and setting clear boundaries
- Build lasting relationships by focusing on clear communication, active listening, and treating people with kindness
The Get Ready for School: Social and Emotional Learning Wipe-Off Workbook comes in an easy to use and re-use format that includes a detachable dry-erase marker. This is the perfect, teacher-approved companion for young students as they learn to manage their emotions and to socialize with others in a healthy and productive way.
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