Self Esteem
Activities to Build Self Esteem
- Practice positive thinking as a parent.
- Say positive statements in front of kids.
- You can pretend you are saying positive comments to help yourself, when you are trying to help them learn a positive way to think about a situation.
Example: If your child is having negative self talk about how stupid they are with homework, then use your work as an example. Pretend to work, say, “I just can’t figure this out, I am so dumb.” Then think out loud to find a resolution, “I can figure this out and I’m not dumb. I just need to read a little more and I can learn this.”
- Pretend to be embarrassed about a situation, then think out loud how you will come to a positive resolution.
Example: Pretend to trip on a curb in front of other people. Act embarrassed and say, “Oh no, everyone saw me fall.” Then take a deep breath compose yourself and say, “You know everyone trips sometimes, it doesn’t matter that anyone saw me fall.” And then giggle or laugh or smile it off.
Positive statements:
- I can make my day fun.
- I can make my day what I want.
- Today can be as good as I make it.
- What do I look forward to today?
- I can do this.
- Let’s try it.
Build Mastery: Place your child in activities that you know he will do well. This could be organized group activities, or simple activities at home.
- Plan a playdate with your child’s friend that will help, encourage and build mastery. This could be a younger child or the same age.
- Play games with your child that they are good at.
- Have them read books at their reading level or below to help them have that feeling of success.
- Have them complete an activity that is challenging to them, but you know they can accomplish. Help them celebrate once they succeed. (chore, helping around the house).
- Continually praise them for any positive behavior.
