Self-Esteem Worksheet for Children: A Powerful Tool for Building Confidence and Positive Self-Image
Author: Vanessa Rooney
Vanessa is an Australian LDS lifestyle blogger. Landed in Salt Lake City, Utah, from the sun kissed beaches of Bondi, Australia, Vanessa is a wife and mother of three children.
Self-esteem worksheets for children can be an invaluable tool for helping young people develop a strong sense of self-worth and confidence. These worksheets are designed to encourage positive self-talk, identify good qualities, and build resilience, all of which contribute to personal growth.
By providing children with structured, engaging activities, these worksheets guide them toward a positive self-image and is an essential asset of positive parenting to help children overcome negative thoughts and low self-esteem.
Self-esteem worksheets for children are used by school counselors, social workers, and mental health professionals. For families, they can also be a great addition to positive parenting resources, offering support for children who face difficult situations or new challenges or are at a higher risk of developing negative self-perceptions.
Understanding Self-Esteem in Children
Self-esteem is the perception we have of ourselves. For children, self-esteem influences every part of their lives, from social skills and academic performance to their willingness to face challenges. Developing positive self-esteem can have a significant impact on a child’s emotional health, setting the stage for a healthy and fulfilling life.
Children with high self-esteem are more likely to try new things, bounce back from setbacks, and maintain a positive outlook on life, whereas low self-esteem can lead to issues such as negative self-talk, anxiety, and difficulty forming relationships.
Why Self-Esteem Matters for Children
- Emotional Resilience: Self-esteem helps children cope with challenges and recover from failures. With a healthy sense of self-worth, children are more emotionally resilient, seeing mistakes as learning opportunities rather than as reflections of their worth.
- Social Skills and Relationships: Positive self-esteem supports strong relationships. When children feel good about themselves, they’re more likely to develop empathy, communicate effectively, and seek out positive social connections.
- Academic and Personal Growth: High self-esteem encourages children to explore, learn, and set goals. They’re more willing to take on new challenges, building confidence in their abilities and inspiring a love of learning.
- Mental Health: Low self-esteem is linked to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. By building self-esteem from a young age, children develop a healthy self-image that supports emotional well-being.
Signs of Healthy vs. Low Self-Esteem in Children
Signs of Healthy Self-Esteem:
- Willingness to try new things
- Resilience in the face of failure
- Positive self-talk and belief in their abilities
- Good social interactions with peers
- Ability to express their needs and feelings
Signs of Low Self-Esteem:
- Frequent negative self-talk or self-criticism
- Fear of failure or avoidance of challenges
- Difficulty in social interactions, often due to insecurity
- High sensitivity to criticism or comparison
- Withdrawal from activities or fear of taking risks
The Importance of Positive Self-Esteem in Childhood
High self-esteem helps children view themselves as capable, worthy, and valued. A positive view of oneself empowers children to engage confidently in social interactions, school activities, and family relationships, and it strengthens their resilience when facing setbacks.
LDS Insight: The teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints remind us of our divine worth and purpose. Children are taught that they are beloved children of Heavenly Father, which can provide a powerful foundation for developing healthy self-esteem.
Reflection
- How can recognizing one’s divine worth contribute to positive self-esteem?
- How can I encourage my child to recognize and celebrate their unique strengths and talents?
- What opportunities can I create to help my child feel successful, even in small ways?
- Am I showing my child that their self-worth is not based solely on achievements but also on their character and kindness?
- What actions can I take to foster a supportive relationship where my child feels valued and loved unconditionally?
Benefits of Using a Self-Esteem Worksheet for Children
Digital Version Only $3.99
Building Positive Self-Image and Personal Growth
Self-esteem worksheets can help children recognize their positive qualities and overcome negative self-talk. By focusing on good qualities and positive affirmations, children learn to appreciate their unique strengths and develop a healthy sense of self-worth.
Developing Emotional Intelligence and Social Skills
Many self-esteem activities encourage children to explore and express their emotions. This promotes emotional intelligence and the ability to handle difficult feelings, which are crucial for developing strong relationships.
Promoting Cognitive Restructuring and Positive Thinking
Cognitive restructuring, or changing negative thoughts into positive ones, is a key part of self-esteem-building exercises. By practicing positive self-talk and daily reminders of their strengths, children can replace negative beliefs with a positive outlook.
Reflection
- In what ways does positive thinking influence our actions and how we approach challenges?
- How can I help my child reframe negative thoughts and focus on their achievements?
- In what ways can I provide encouragement without creating pressure or unrealistic expectations?
- What methods can I use to help my child set and achieve realistic goals that promote personal growth?
- How do I encourage my child to try new things and view challenges as opportunities for growth
Components of an Effective Self-Esteem Worksheet for Children
1. Positive Affirmations and Self-Talk
Self-esteem worksheets often include space for children to write positive affirmations and practice positive self-talk. This exercise can help counteract negative thoughts and encourage a positive view of themselves.
Example Activity: Have children write down three positive things about themselves daily, such as “I am kind,” “I am a good friend,” or “I am a quick learner.”
2. Identifying Good Qualities and Personal Strengths
Activities that focus on positive qualities allow children to recognize and celebrate their unique abilities, from physical abilities to intellectual skills.
Example Activity: Create a “strengths wheel” where children fill each section with a skill or trait they value in themselves, like “good at math” or “kind to my family.”
3. Gratitude Journals and Positive Psychology
Gratitude journaling can be a valuable tool in self-esteem development. By focusing on positive things they’re grateful for, children shift their focus from negative to positive thoughts, reinforcing a positive self-esteem. (Journal Boys & Girls)
Example Activity: Have children list three things they are grateful for each day. This can be as simple as “my pet,” “my teacher,” or “the sunny weather.”
4. Exploring Core Beliefs and Identifying Negative Self-Talk
Self-esteem worksheets can include exercises to help children identify negative self-talk and challenge harmful core beliefs. For example, if a child writes, “I can’t do anything right,” they can replace it with a positive affirmation, like “I can learn and improve.”
5. Problem-Solving and Goal-Setting Activities
Setting and achieving goals is a powerful way to build self-confidence. Self-esteem worksheets can include goal-setting sections where children set small, achievable goals and celebrate their progress.
Example Activity: Have children set a weekly goal, such as completing a reading assignment or helping with chores, and reward their progress with positive reinforcement.
6. Visual Reminders and Creative Exercises
Adding fun activities, like drawing or using visual reminders, helps children stay engaged with self-esteem worksheets. For younger children, colorful designs and simple language make the activities more accessible.
Example Activity: Create a “self-esteem poster” where children write or draw their good qualities, hobbies, and achievements. Displaying it at home or in the classroom reinforces their positive self-image.
Reflection
- What are some specific phrases or affirmations I can use to reinforce my child’s positive qualities?
- Am I making time to celebrate my child’s small victories as well as their major achievements?
Self-Esteem Worksheets in School Counseling and Therapy
School counseling resources often incorporate self-esteem worksheets to help children improve communication skills, manage difficult feelings, and develop a positive self-image. Therapy worksheets and self-esteem activities are valuable tools for counselors and therapists to help children face challenging emotions in a structured way.
Using Worksheets for Small Group and Individual Therapy
In school settings, self-esteem worksheets can be used in small groups or individual counseling sessions. Group activities encourage peer support, while individual exercises allow for personalized reflection and growth.
Example Group Activity: Form a “gratitude circle” where each child shares one positive thing about their day or compliments another group member. This reinforces positive social interactions and mutual respect.
Helping Children Navigate Difficult Situations
Children facing difficult situations, such as family changes or social challenges, can benefit from targeted self-esteem worksheets. Worksheets that focus on personal strengths and positive affirmations can be particularly helpful during transitions.
LDS Insight: The gospel encourages children to trust in Heavenly Father during difficult situations. Faith-based affirmations, such as “I am loved by God,” can provide a comforting reminder of their worth.
Reflection
- How can affirmations about faith and divine worth help children feel more resilient during challenging times?
Practical Self-Esteem Worksheet Activities for Children
Positive Qualities List
Description: A simple but effective worksheet where children list their positive qualities, such as “I am creative” or “I am helpful.” This exercise helps children focus on what makes them unique and valuable.
Goal-Setting Worksheet
Description: A worksheet that guides children in setting a personal goal and identifying steps to achieve it. This teaches self-discipline and provides a sense of accomplishment, boosting self-esteem.
Positive Affirmations and Daily Reminders
Description: A worksheet that includes daily spaces for positive affirmations, allowing children to reinforce positive self-talk and encourage a growth mindset.
Gratitude Journal Page
Description: A gratitude-focused worksheet where children list three things they’re grateful for each day. This exercise promotes a positive outlook and reduces negative thinking. Girls Gratitude Journal and Boys Gratitude Journal
Challenge Negative Thoughts Worksheet
Description: A worksheet where children identify negative thoughts they have about themselves and reframe them into positive affirmations. For example, changing “I’m not good at math” to “I can learn to improve in math.”
Worry Jar
Description: A jar or it can be an image of a jar on paper where your child can write down their worries. Together you can address them and then let them go.
The worry jar sheet is just one of our many worksheets available online to download.
The entire self esteem worksheet bundle is only $3.99 and can be easily printed at home.
Reward Chart
Description: Set a goal with your child that they can achieve within a month.
Set daily actions that need to be completed and check them off on a reward chart.
The chart will show your child the journey to the goal and daily progress to keep them focused and encouraged.
The reward chart to the right is part of our self-esteem worksheets bundle.
Calming Activities For Self-Esteem
Breathing Balloons
Teach your child to calm their breathing down by taking a deep breath with each balloon they color in from the workbook.
Draw Your Happy Place
This one requires a little thought before to think of a calm, happy place your child would like to be. One may not be able to think of a place on the spot when they are emotionally charged. Once your calm space has been identified, let your child calm down by drawing their happy, calm space.
What Can I Control?
An exercise that puts the situation into perspective. There is no reason to worry about the things you can’t control. This worksheet goes through what you can control in the situation and helps the child identify what they can’t control in the situation, giving them a greater sense of peace as they can only do what they are in control of.
Worry Scale
A worry scale is used to identify how worried your child is about the problem.
Use this scale in conjunction with other tools, such as What I can control to make decisions and actions that will lower your child’s worry levels.
The worry sheet to the right is part of our self-esteem worksheets set available here.
Using Self-Esteem Worksheets at Home
Self-esteem worksheets aren’t just for classrooms and therapy sessions; they’re also effective at home. Parents and caregivers can use these worksheets to strengthen their child’s self-confidence and provide a foundation for a positive self-image.
Tips for Parents: Making Self-Esteem Activities Fun and Interactive
1. Integrate Self-Esteem Activities into Family Time
Use a self-esteem worksheet together as part of family discussions or activities. Encourage everyone to share one positive thing about themselves.
2. Model Positive Self-Talk
Show your child how you use positive affirmations to counteract negative thoughts. By modeling positive self-talk, you set a powerful example.
3. Celebrate Small Wins
Whenever your child completes a worksheet or reaches a goal, acknowledge their hard work. This reinforces good self-esteem and the importance of effort.
Addressing Common Challenges with Self-Esteem Worksheets
1. Overcoming Negative Thoughts and Self-Criticism
Children with low self-esteem may struggle to find positive qualities in themselves, often engaging in negative self-talk. Patience, encouragement, and supportive guidance are essential to help them develop a healthier self-perception.
Example Activity: Use a “negative thought buster” worksheet, where children identify a negative thought, write down evidence that contradicts it, and replace it with a positive affirmation.
2. Making Self-Esteem Worksheets Age-Appropriate
For younger children, keep worksheets simple and visually engaging, using basic language and fun activities. For older children, worksheets can include more reflective questions and goal-setting exercises to support personal growth.
3. Encouraging Consistency and Patience
Building self-esteem is an ongoing journey, and worksheets are most effective when used consistently. Encourage children to engage with self-esteem.
How do you help your child with their self esteem?
Share Me
References
Chaney, M, et al. 2017. Journal of School Counseling. Increasing Adolescent Self-Esteem: Group Strategies to Address Wellness and Process