Helping Your Children with Self-Esteem

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Parents and teachers, if you suspect that your child is suffering, please contact your physician or a licensed professional for help.

Activities for children to develop better self-esteem (adapted from Self-Esteem Games by Barbara Sher)

Silhouettes

Trace the child’s silhouette on a piece of paper. Go through catalogs and magazine to cut out words and pictures of activities that describe the child. Paste the cut outs on the silhouette and then discuss the silhouette with the child.

Attitude Adjustments

Brainstorm with your child events that could have a negative outcome, such as rain when you are planning to go to the park. Then discuss the positive outcomes that may occur due to the negative misfortune.

Name It

When you experience an emotion, label the emotion so your child learns to recognize different emotions. It is appropriate to recognize the emotion and feelings so your child will also express him or herself. The emotions can be both positive and negative.

Expectations

If your child is about to experience something new, it may help them discussing what could happen or what may not happen. If the event has already occurred and they are still unsure of what occurred, it is still important to discuss what happened and what may happen in the near future. If your child knows what to expect they will not be as apprehensive about the event and approach it more confidently.

Please keep in mind that while completing these activities with your child it is important to validate their feelings and encourage them to share and be honest.