A child's self-esteem affects everything---including the child's safety, health and feelings. Good self-esteem skills can help a child make positive decisions. Several entertaining activities can help boost a child's self-esteem.
"About Me" Game
The Recreation Directory website suggests teaching children the "About Me" activity. This game is designed to increase a child's self esteem by participating with other children and receiving positive feedback. Fold a piece of brightly colored paper into threes, similar to a tri-fold brochure. Have each child decorate the front of the paper with his name. Make up about 10 categories to write inside the brochure. For example: "My Favorite Feature" or "Proudest Moment." Tell each child that his information is private and will not be read by anyone else.
When finished, tell each child to paper-clip his brochure shut and pass it to the child on his right. Do not let anyone read what is inside the private notes. Instead, have each child turn the brochure over and write a positive comment about the brochure owner. Have the children pass the brochures to the right until each child has printed a comment and the brochure returns to its owner. Allow about five minutes of quiet time for each child to read his brochure. Lead a discussion about how the compliments feel and if any need clarification. Encourage each child to reread the pamphlet when he is feeling down.
Happy List
According to the Family Education website, a child can improve her self-esteem by recalling positive events in her life. To do this activity, tell your child to record five positive things or feelings that happened to her the day before. Tell her to write what happened and how it made her feel.
This list will become her happy list. Every time she feels down, have your child read over the list. Reflection on the list will also help your child understand what activities make her happy so she can continue doing them.
Candy Game
The Recreation Directory website says that the "Special Candy Game" can help children feel special. In addition, it can promote bonding with other children as similar interests are discovered. Have the children sit in a circle. Hand out 10 pieces of candy to each child. Going around the circle, have each child name something he thinks is special about himself---it can be an ability, special talent or even a personality trait.
Each child that does not have that special ability in common should then throw a piece of candy to the speaker. For example, if he says, "I play violin," each child that does not play a violin tosses a piece of candy. End the game when all participants have similar amounts of candy.
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