When a child (school-aged, tween, or teen) struggles with low self-esteem, to get the self-esteem building kickstarted, I utilize positive relationships in the child's life. The family unit is a tricky thing sometimes... Sometimes, the parents get so focused on the "problem" with the child that they don't focus on the positives. The Affirmation Board is a way I like to keep all the positivity going at home. We decorate the board in session. Then the client and family go home with the hand-out to follow through with the instructions. This activity builds self-esteem and family communication.
Supplies:
- Square cork board- I buy a 4 pack from Michaels or Hobby Lobby.
- Ribbon
- Paint
- Glue
- Magazines
- Ribbon
Here is the hand-out and instructions:
Affirmation Board
1)
Decorate in any way that you want.
o
Paint, collage
with pictures, or cover with fabric.
o
Choose a ribbon
to hot glue to the back so you can hang it somewhere in your room that you can
easily see.
o
Choose push-pins
for you to place your affirmations on the board.
2) Decide on the day(s) with your parents for everyone to post affirmations.
o
Each of your
parents will post.
o
You will post.
o
Choose things
that will encourage you and build your self-worth.
o
Focus on
qualities you love about yourself and qualities you want to improve—that you
are actively working hard to improve.
o
Compliments, good
choices you have made, things you do well, things that make you unique/special,
and strengths you have.
o
Read your
affirmations every day, especially when you are struggling with
something.
3) Designate a place to keep all your affirmations safe.
o
When you take an
affirmation down to replace it with a new one, put the old ones in a shoebox or
drawer.
o
If you are ever
struggling with something specific, go to your designated affirmation place and
pull one that will help you. Post
it. You can do this at any time.
