Games to Boost Kids’ Self-Esteem: Fun Activities that Help Build Confidence
Self-esteem is an important part of a child’s development. It helps them to feel good about themselves, and gives them the confidence they need to try new things. These fun games to boost kids’ self-esteem are perfect if your child seems to lack self-confidence, or if you want to help them feel good about who they are.

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- Why is Self-Esteem Important to Child Development?
- How to Build Confidence in a Child
- Factors That Contribute to Self-Esteem Issues in Kids
- 5 Fun Games to Boost Self-Esteem in Kids
- Other Self-Esteem Activities for Kids
- Tips for Parents When Playing Games to Boost Kids’ Self-Esteem
- Self Esteem & ADHD/Learning Differences
Why is Self-Esteem Important to Child Development?
Self-esteem is important to child development for a number of reasons. First, it helps children feel good about themselves. When kids have healthy self-esteem, they are more likely to try new things and take risks. They also tend to be more resilient when faced with setbacks or failure.
Additionally, self-esteem can help kids form positive relationships with others. Children who feel good about themselves are more likely to treat others with respect and kindness.
How to Build Confidence in a Child
There are a number of things parents can do to help build confidence in their child. One of the most important is to provide support and encouragement. When kids feel loved and accepted, they are more likely to have healthy self-esteem.
It is also important to give children opportunities to succeed. Help them set achievable goals, and then praise them when they reach those goals. It’s important to let kids make mistakes and learn from them. This will help them develop a growth mindset, which is essential for healthy self-esteem.
Finally, parents should model healthy self-esteem for their children. Show them how to treat yourself with respect and kindness. Let them see you taking risks and bouncing back from setbacks.

Factors That Contribute to Self-Esteem Issues in Kids
There are a number of factors that can contribute to self-esteem issues in kids. One of the most common is bullying. If your child is being bullied, it is important to talk to them about it and help them develop strategies for dealing with it. Additionally, you should reach out to the school, or where the bullying is happening, and make sure they are taking steps to address the issue.
Other factors that can contribute to self-esteem issues include a lack of support from adults, negative messages from the media, and trauma or difficult life experiences. If you are concerned about your child’s self-esteem, it is important to talk to their doctor or a mental health professional.
5 Fun Games to Boost Self-Esteem in Kids
Totem
Totem is a great game to discover your strengths and qualities through other people’s eyes. The game serves as a personal development tool that builds on each other’s strengths. It is uncomplicated and easy to follow- packed with 6400 available totems.
I Like Me 123
I Like Me 123 is a fun and interactive game that helps kids learn to love themselves just the way they are. The games, activities, and songs all promote positive self-esteem in children. Players work together to pick up sets of 1, 2, and 3 cards, acting out the hilariously fun situations on the sets.
Strong Suit – The Tower of Self-Esteem
The Tower of Self Esteem is all about building up yourself and others and eliminating the need to compete to win. This game helps children learn cooperation skills as they work together to build the tower. Children learn to cope with social anxiety and develop communication skills while also having fun!
Tall Tales – The Game of Infinite Storytelling
Tall Tales is a storytelling game that helps kids develop their imaginations and boost their self-confidence. Players take turns making up parts of the story, with the goal of keeping the story going for as long as possible. This game is great for kids who are shy or have trouble thinking on their feet, as it gives them time to come up with a good response.
Breaking Barriers Down
Breaking Barriers Down is a game that helps kids understand and cope with their emotions. The game teaches children how to express themselves in a positive way, setting them up for success in school and in life. Players take turns drawing cards and acting out the emotion on the card. This is a great way for kids to learn about and practice regulating their emotions.
Other Self-Esteem Activities for Kids
- Self-Esteem Journal – Have kids write down three things that went well each day in a journal. This can be anything from getting a good grade on a test to finally mastering a cartwheel. You could also give them sentence starters and have them finish the sentence. An example might be “My friends like me because…” and they have to write a response.
- 3+3 Stars For Me is a great self-esteem journal that kids and adults can do together!
- If you’re child is struggling- I recommend this Self-Esteem Bundle with lots of fun ideas.
- Compliment Chain – Kids take turns giving and receiving compliments. You could do this by sitting in a circle and tossing a ball to one another. The person who tosses the ball would give a compliment to the person catching it. This is a great way to help kids focus on the positive qualities of themselves and others.
- Self-Esteem Affirmations – Help kids create a list of positive affirmations about themselves. These can be things like “I am smart” or “I am a good friend.” Have them repeat the affirmations to themselves every day, either out loud or in their head. You could also make it into a game where they have to say the affirmation every time they do a certain activity, like brush their teeth or eat breakfast.
- Create-Your-Own-Recipe – This is a great activity for kids who like to be creative. Have them come up with their own recipe, whether it’s for a meal, a drink, or a dessert. They can be as simple or as complicated as they want, and you can help them along the way. This is a great way to boost kids’ self-esteem by letting them know their ideas are valuable and appreciated.
- My First Recipes is a blank recipe book for kids!
- Self-Esteem Scavenger Hunt – Hide positive affirmations around the house or classroom for kids to find. This is a fun way to remind kids of their good qualities, and it can be customized to each child’s individual needs.
- What We Love About You – This is perfect for focusing on all the positive qualities in your child. Write down things you love about them on slips of paper and put them in a jar. They can read them whenever they need a self-esteem boost. You could also do this with a group of kids and have them write down things they love about their friends.
- Weekly Chore Charts – This is a great way to help kids feel accomplished and responsible. Create a chore chart with age-appropriate tasks for your child to do each week. When they complete the tasks, they get a sticker or check mark next to it. At the end of the week, they can see all the things they did and feel proud of their accomplishments. You can also create an allowance system for money or prizes. Check out this Giant List of Chores for Kids to Earn Money.
- These Magnetic Chore Charts are perfect for getting kids started on daily and weekly chores.
- Set SMART Goals – This stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. Help your child set goals that meet these criteria and then track their progress. This is a great way to help kids learn how to set and achieve goals, which is an important life skill.
- Create a Bucket List – This is a fun way to help kids dream big and think about all the things they want to do in life. They can include anything from small goals like “learn to ride a bike” to bigger goals like “visit every continent.” This is a great activity for sparking creativity and getting kids thinking about their future. You can also check out this Ultimate Summer Bucket List for Kids and these Winter Bucket List Ideas.
- Special One-On-One Time – This is a great way to show your child how much you love and appreciate them. Set aside some time each week for just the two of you to do something together, whether it’s going for a walk, playing a game, or watching a movie. This is a great way to bond with your child and make them feel loved.

Tips for Parents When Playing Games to Boost Kids’ Self-Esteem
When playing games to boost kids’ self-esteem, it is important to keep a few things in mind. First, focus on games that are fun and positive. Avoid games that are competitive or stressful.
Additionally, make sure everyone has a chance to participate and be successful. Praise kids for their efforts, and avoid games that have winners and losers. Make sure to take breaks if anyone starts to feel overwhelmed or frustrated.
Self Esteem & ADHD/Learning Differences
Many kids with ADHD or learning differences struggle with self-esteem issues. This is often because they feel like they are not meeting the expectations of others. Games that focus on strengths and abilities can be particularly helpful for these kids.
If your child has ADHD, you might want to try games that involve movement. This can help them release excess energy and stay focused on the game. Games that require kids to think creatively can also be helpful, as they allow kids to approach tasks in their own way.
For kids with learning differences, it is important to find games that play to their strengths. If your child struggles with reading, try games that are heavy on visuals. If they struggle with fine motor skills, look for games that don’t require writing or drawing.

Games are a great way to boost self-esteem in kids. They help kids focus on their own strengths and abilities, and they also allow them to see the importance of working together as a community. These games can be played over and over again, and each time they will be just as fun and challenging as the last. So get out there and start playing!
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