- Sports- individual or team sports or a combination of both. This could include dance, gymnastics, golf, martial arts, running, swimming, as well as the many team sports. Start with lessons in elementary school.
- Creative Play- art, music, crafts, building projects.
- Family Meetings - provide opportunities for expressing opinions and feelings, learning to solve problems, and feeling connected to the family group.
- Church- builds the child's sense of connectiveness and models. They feel part of something important when they are regularly involved with a church family, and learn the values that will guide their behavior.
- Travel- teaches children to cope with new experiences and makes family memories that will last a lifetime.
- Family Rituals and Traditions- enhance the child's sense of connectiveness and order. Holiday family gatherings and family traditions that are repeated over time build your child's self-esteem.
Helpful Resources for Parents
- Developing Worthwhileness in Your Children by Donald A Cadogan at the Oak Tree Counseling site
- A Parent's Guide to Raising Great Kids by Ed Wimberly
- Tips for Developing Healthy Self-Esteem in Your Child from the Coordinated Campaign for Learning Disabilities at FamilyEducation.com
- Sports Lift Esteem in Young Athletes American Psychological Association
