Self-esteem is your opinion of yourself and essentially summarizes the feeling of self-worth, self-confidence, and self-respect. A healthy self-esteem means liking yourself as you are and thinking as highly of yourself as you think of your peers. To acquire and maintain a strong self-esteem we must be able to forgive ourselves for our mistakes and celebrate our strengths and achievements.
Eggbert: The Slightly Cracked Egg
Author: Tom Ross, Rex Barron
Age Group: 6-9
Summary: A fun story about a egg who struggles to fit in when he realizes that he has a crack in him, and is not allowed to stay in his home in the fridge. Through his travels, Eggbert realizes that the world is full of beautiful cracks, and that there is nothing wrong with his own crack.
I’m Gonna Like Me
Author: Jamie Lee Curtis
Age Group: 4-8
Summary: This is a fun book to read that sends the powerful message that the key to feeling good is liking yourself because you are you. It also has great illustrations.
Guji Guji
Author: Chen, Chih-Yuan
Age Group: 5-9
Summary: This sweet, encouraging story is a great read that both entertains and encourages readers. Inspiring and heartwarming, this story gently conveys positive messages about the importance of being who you are, standing up for what is right for you, caring about others, appreciating differences, not giving in to peer pressure or to other people’s expectations of you, and listening to yourself.
Sebastion’s Roller Skates
Author: Joan de D?u Prats
Age Group: 5-9
Summary: In this story about the power of
self-confidence, Sebastian is a reserved boy to the point of stifling shyness. He lives with his thoughts, unable to express himself to others, though full of fascinating ideas. When an abandoned pair of roller skates piques his interest, he tries to learn to skate with a quiet determination. An impromptu rescue of
a runaway dog proves the impetus he needs to use his new skills on skates – instilling him with confidence and unleashing his self-restraint. Sebastian’s triumph provides inspiration for timid readers to seek out their own strengths.
Building Self-Esteem in Children
Author: Patricia H. Berne and Louis M. Savary
Summary: This book offers over 60 effective, practical principles to help parents and other concerned adults develop healthy relationships with children and foster the attitude and atmosphere in which self-esteem can flourish.
501 Ways to Boost Your Child’s Self-Esteem
Author: Robert D. Ramsey
Summary: As parents, we are concerned that our children get the best of everything: education, teachers, homes, computers, clothes, friends . . . the list goes on. But what many of our kids are missing is the priceless gift of self-esteem. In 501 Ways to Boost Your Child’s Self-Esteem, you will learn ways to build up your child’s confidence, teach your son or daughter self-respect, and show your child how to face life head on.
Web Resources:
VIEW What Is Self-Esteem? And How To Help Develop Self-Esteem
in Children
VIEW Developing Your Child’s Self Esteem
VIEW Twelve Ways To Build Your Child’s Self Esteem