A young person's self-esteem can be a fragile thing, but success in school, interpersonal relationships, work and life is dependent on an individual feeling good about himself. Thankfully, there are activities for all personality types that can help boost self-esteem and get children and teenagers on a positive track that can carry them into adulthood with a positive outlook about themselves and the world around them.
Sports
Playing on a team or competing in an individual sport can help build self-esteem in a few ways. A young person who develops a healthy, athletic body will feel better about himself physically. The accomplishment of improving performance and winning can also boost self-confidence. As a coach or parent, you can use sports to improve self-esteem by acknowledging the development of young athletes over the course of a season, and by giving kids responsibilities like being team captain for a game or helping to decide what drills to run in practice.
Speech and Debate
For young people who like to perform and/or debate serious topics, a high school speech and debate team can be an ideal venue in which to boost self-esteem. It can be especially useful for students who may have the desire to do those activities, but may be a little shy. A structured competition where your child has the support of teammates and coaches, and where she can't help but make friends with kids at other schools, may be an ideal opportunity to help her break out of her shell.
Outward Bound
Outward Bound is an international, nonprofit organization with a long history of fostering personal growth and development in young people. The programs are centered around wilderness expeditions and draw kids from many walks of life. Outward Bound also has special programs for at-risk kids and teenagers who may have gotten into trouble. Through experiences like climbing, rafting, camping, hiking and more, kids develop leadership skills, as well as a greater sense of who they are and what potential they have to succeed on many levels.
Volunteering
Sometimes an act as simple as tutoring a younger child or working with athletes in the Special Olympics can do wonders for a teenager who may be lacking in self-esteem. Helping others lets an individual see that he has skills and abilities that are worthwhile and appreciated by other people. Many high schools have service clubs, and so do plenty of elementary and middle schools. These clubs offer volunteering opportunities, but community organizations such as the Humane Society, libraries and churches all have ways kids can help out and feel better about themselves--because they were able to contribute to making things better for someone else.
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