Self-esteem is an important aspect of a child’s overall well-being and success in life. Helping your child build strong self-esteem can empower him or her to face the challenges that come their way, and enable them to thrive as an independent and happy human being. 

Having positive self-esteem increases a child’s sense of confidence, resilience, and ability to succeed. Luckily, raising your child to have healthy self-esteem is not rocket science. By adopting certain attitudes and behaviors, your child can develop a healthy dose of self-love that will inspire them to prosper. 

Here are some self-esteem activities to promote confidence and a positive self-image in your children. 

1. Positive Affirmations 

A 2013 study by the University of Granada shows that self-affirmation can reduce stress and improve problem-solving performance in chronically stressed participants. 

Encourage your child to develop a list of positive affirmations, such as “I believe in myself,” “I am strong and capable,” or “I am cared for and loved.” 

Your kids can repeat these affirmations daily to themselves, or post them in visible places to remind them.

Regularly check on your child’s areas of struggle and monitor their progress and achievements relative to their self-image. 

2. Strengths and Talents

Help your child identify their strengths and talents, and encourage them to explore these areas of interest. This can help not only build your child’s self-confidence but also make them feel more capable. 

Instead of forcing your child to pour their energy into something they don’t feel passionate about, spend that time helping them excel at something they love and have a talent for. This will eventually lead your child to a career they are passionate about, by allowing them to build strong confidence based on tangible achievements. 

3. Goal-Setting

Setting and achieving goals can be a great way to boost self-esteem and lower self-doubt. Having a goal gives motivation and increases productivity, as long as it is realistic and clear. Encouraging your child to develop time-management skills, set achievable goals, and celebrate their progress along the way will foster a sense of achievement and grow their self-esteem.

4. Journaling

Writing in a journal is a great way for children to express their thoughts and emotions, and reflect on their successes and challenges. This promotes better self-awareness, higher self-esteem, and more agile decision-making skills. Encourage your child to write about their strengths and accomplishments, as well as their challenges and goals.

5. Role-Playing

Role-playing is a fun way for children to practice positive self-talk and build confidence. Help your child to act out scenarios where they get to demonstrate assertiveness and self-assurance. By communicating through role-play, children can improve their problem-solving skills and explore the possible outcomes of conflict situations. This helps children become more efficient communicators by encouraging them to practice conflict resolution and learn how to be assertive. 

6. Creative Expression

Kids can learn to express themselves and build self-confidence through creative activities like drawing, painting, and crafting.

By learning how to express themselves in a variety of ways, children build a sense of self-worth and get more comfortable with being unique as their perception of  self-importance grows. 

7. Positive Feedback 

Highlight your child’s strengths and accomplishments by providing positive feedback on a regular basis. This can help reinforce a positive self-image and build self-confidence.

The important part to remember is that positive feedback is not the same as lavishing your kids with excessive praise. Research published in 2017 by the Society for Research in Child Development shows that overly praising your child can actually lower their self-esteem and demotivate them to face challenges. 

Summary

Engaging your children in activities to develop their self-esteem promotes a positive self-image and strengthens self-confidence. Children can develop a higher sense of self-worth and resilience by practicing positive self-talk, identifying their strengths and talents, setting achievable goals, and receiving positive feedback.

Also, check out these posts below for further reading:

• Why independence for children is so important, and how to help your child be more independent
• Secrets to boosting your child’s social skills
• Positive Parenting Techniques to boost your child’s happiness