Boost, Play, and Flourish: 10 Empowering Self-Esteem Games for Teens
During the teenage years, how teens feel about themselves plays a crucial role in shaping a young person’s sense of self and overall well-being. It’s essential to provide teenagers with effective tools and strategies to nurture their self-esteem and build a positive self-image. In this blog post, we will explore a variety of interactive and engaging self-esteem games for teens that can empower them and help them develop confidence, resilience and a strong sense of self-worth.
What teen doesn’t love a fun game? Plus, adults love games that can teach teens good things and help them develop a healthy self-esteem.
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What is self-esteem?
Self-esteem refers to an individual’s evaluation and perception of their own worth, value, and capabilities. It includes how they perceive their appearance, abilities, achievements, and personal qualities.
High self-regard is characterized by a positive and healthy self-image. Confident people have a good sense of self-worth, self-acceptance, and self-respect. They believe in their abilities and are more likely to pursue their goals and dreams.
On the other hand, low self-esteem is marked by negative self-perception, self-doubt, and a lack of self-confidence. Individuals with low self-esteem often experience feelings of inadequacy, self-criticism, and self-judgment. They may struggle with self-acceptance, be overly influenced by the opinions of others, and have difficulty asserting themselves or taking risks.
What influences how teens feel about themselves?
There are several internal and external factors that influence how teens feel about themselves. Some of them are:
Social media
Personal experiences
Social relationships and interactions
Internal beliefs
Family members
Building and nurturing healthy self-esteem is important for teens’ overall well-being. It impacts their emotional, psychological, and social functioning. It contributes to confidence, resilience, healthy relationships, decision-making, and personal growth.
Why is it important to feel good about yourself in the teenage years?
Michigan State University’s MSU Extension states, “Kids who know that they have value are less likely to feel “worthless” when they fail or suffer a disappointment.”
Self-esteem plays a crucial role in the teenage years for several reasons:
- Identity Formation: Adolescence is a period of self-discovery and identity formation. Developing a healthy self-esteem during these critical years provides a solid foundation for teenagers to explore their interests, values, and aspirations. It helps them navigate the challenges of the teenage years and make choices aligned with their authentic selves.
- Emotional Well-being: Positive self-worth contributes to emotional well-being and mental health. Teenagers with high self-esteem are more likely to experience positive emotions, have a sense of self-worth, and display resilience in the face of setbacks. They are better equipped to handle stress, anxiety, and peer pressure, reducing their risk of developing mental health issues.
- Healthy Relationships: Self-esteem impacts how teenagers perceive themselves and interact with others. Those with a healthy self-esteem are more likely to form and maintain positive relationships. They are confident in setting boundaries, expressing their needs and desires, and making healthy choices in friendships and romantic relationships.
- Academic Achievement: Self-esteem influences academic performance. Teenagers with a positive self-image tend to have a greater belief in their abilities, leading to increased motivation, engagement, and perseverance in their studies. They are more likely to set goals, take on challenges, and seek help when needed, ultimately enhancing their academic achievements.
- Decision-Making and Risk Avoidance: Low self-esteem can lead to poor decision-making and engaging in risky behaviors. Teenagers who lack confidence in their abilities may succumb to peer pressure, seek validation from unhealthy sources, or engage in substance abuse. On the other hand, teenagers with higher self-esteem are more likely to make informed choices based on their own values and aspirations.
Cultivating positive self-esteem during the teenage years is crucial for fostering emotional well-being, healthy relationships, academic success, and responsible decision-making. It empowers teenagers to navigate the challenges of adolescence and develop into confident, resilient, and fulfilled individuals.
What are some self-confidence activities for teens?
If you are looking for some activities to help boost self-confidence in young adults, I’ve got some for you to try. These activities will help young people cultivate positive thinking and they can be lots of fun.
By participating in these or similar activities, young people with self-esteem issues may possibly learn a new way of thinking about themselves.
Here are some games for teens to play to help them get rid of negative energy:
Positive Affirmation Bingo
Positive affirmations can work wonders in cultivating a positive self-image. Create a customized Bingo game with squares containing uplifting affirmations such as “I am confident,” “I embrace my uniqueness,” and “I am worthy of love and happiness.”
Play this game with a group of friends or even alone, marking off the squares as you affirm these empowering statements. Not only will this game boost your confidence, but it will also foster a sense of connection and support among participants.
Vision Board Collage
Visualizing our dreams and aspirations is a powerful tool for building self-esteem. Invite your friends to a vision board collage session. Provide magazines, scissors, glue, and large boards. Encourage everyone to cut out images, quotes, and words that resonate with their desires and goals.
Together, create a collage of dreams and aspirations. Display your vision boards prominently, serving as daily reminders of your limitless potential and fostering a sense of empowerment and self-belief.
Mirror Talk Challenge
The way we speak to ourselves matters. Encourage your teenager to embark on a Mirror Talk Challenge. Each day, have them stand in front of a mirror, look into their own eyes, and speak positive and affirming words to themselves.
Challenge teens to find one thing they appreciate about themselves each day and share it with you or a trusted friend. This practice promotes self-acceptance, self-love, and a healthy self-image.
Gratitude Journaling
Gratitude is a powerful practice that can significantly impact how you feel about yourself. Invite teenagers to start a gratitude journal, dedicating a few minutes each day to reflect on what they are grateful for.
Writing down three things they appreciate about themselves and their lives can help cultivate a positive mindset and increase self-esteem. Have fun and get creative with journaling by using colorful pens, drawings, or even adding photos to further enhance the experience.
Dance and Movement Therapy
Engaging in dance and movement activities can be both liberating and empowering. Teens can explore dance classes or movement therapy sessions. Dancing promotes self-expression, body positivity, and boosts confidence.
Whether it’s through salsa, hip-hop, or even ballet, the joy of movement and music can help reconnect with your body, enhance self-esteem, and promote overall well-being.
Mirror Mirror on the Wall
This game encourages teens to engage in positive self-reflection. Set up a mirror in a comfortable and private space. Have teens stand in front of the mirror and dig deep and embrace their unique qualities, talents, and strengths.
This activity promotes self-acceptance, self-love, and helps teens develop a healthier relationship with themselves.
Strengths and Talents Treasure Hunt
Help teens discover their unique strengths and talents through a fun treasure hunt. Create a list of clues that lead them to different areas where they can showcase their abilities.
For example, a clue might lead them to a spot where they can display their artistic skills or perform a musical piece. This activity can help teens recognize and celebrate their accomplishments. It might also boost their confidence level and reinforce their belief in their abilities.
Compliment Challenge
In this game, teens work together to uplift and support one another. Create a jar filled with slips of paper, each containing a unique compliment or positive affirmation. To play the game, have the teens randomly select a slip and give the compliment to another participant.
The goal is to express genuine appreciation for each other’s qualities and achievements. This activity fosters a supportive and positive environment, promoting self-esteem and fostering stronger connections among the participants.
Empowerment Board Game
Develop a board game that focuses on personal growth and empowerment. Include spaces that allow players to share their dreams, goals, and affirmations. Design challenges that encourage problem-solving, self-reflection, and embracing new experiences. Through the game, teens will have the opportunity to explore their potential, build resilience, and develop a growth mindset, ultimately boosting their self-respect and self-confidence.
Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
Promote gratitude and self-appreciation by organizing a scavenger hunt centered around the concept of gratitude. Create a list of items or experiences that participants need to find or complete, which represent things they are grateful for in their lives. Encourage them to reflect on each item and share their gratitude with others. This activity helps teens develop a positive mindset, shift their focus to the good in their lives, and cultivate a sense of self-worth.
What are some benefits of having a high feeling of self-worth?
Having good self-esteem brings a multitude of benefits to individuals. Here is a list of some key advantages:
- Confidence: Good self-esteem fosters a strong sense of self-confidence. It enables individuals to believe in their abilities, talents, and worth, empowering them to face challenges with courage and resilience.
- Emotional well-being: HIgh self-worth promotes emotional well-being by cultivating a positive self-image and reducing negative self-judgment. It helps individuals develop a healthier relationship with themselves, leading to increased happiness, self-acceptance, and overall life satisfaction.
- Resilience: People who feel good about themselves are better equipped to handle setbacks and failures. They have the ability to bounce back from disappointments, learn from their experiences, and maintain a positive outlook, thus enhancing their resilience and coping skills.
- Healthy relationships: When individuals value and respect themselves, they are more likely to establish and maintain healthy relationships. Good self-esteem enables them to set boundaries, communicate effectively, and choose relationships that are supportive, nurturing, and respectful.
- Assertiveness: Having good self-thought empowers individuals to express their needs, opinions, and desires assertively. They can advocate for themselves, set clear boundaries, and communicate effectively, which leads to healthier and more satisfying interactions with others.
- Motivation and achievement: High self-respect fuels motivation and ambition. Individuals who believe in their capabilities and worth are more likely to set goals, work diligently towards them, and persevere in the face of obstacles. This leads to increased achievement and personal growth.
- Mental and physical health: Positive self-thought contributes to better mental and physical health outcomes. It reduces the risk of developing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, promotes a more positive body image, and encourages individuals to prioritize their overall well-being.
- Decision-making: Individuals who think positively of themselves tend to make decisions based on their own values, desires, and aspirations rather than seeking validation from others. They trust their judgment and are more likely to make choices that align with their authentic selves.
- Enjoying life: High self-respect allows individuals to embrace and enjoy life more fully. It enables them to appreciate their strengths, acknowledge their achievements, and experience a greater sense of fulfillment and happiness in various aspects of life.
- Positive influence: Individuals with good self-esteem can positively impact those around them. Their confidence, authenticity, and positive outlook can inspire and uplift others, fostering a supportive and empowering social environment.
What can parents do to support their teens and promote positive thinking?
Parents play a crucial role in helping their teens feel better about themselves. Here are some strategies parents can use to support their teens and help them think positive thoughts:
Provide unconditional love and acceptance
Express love and acceptance for your teen just as they are, emphasizing that their worth is not based on achievements or external factors. Show them that you value and appreciate them for who they are.
Foster open and supportive communication
Create a safe and non-judgmental space for your teen to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Listen actively, validate their experiences, and offer empathy and understanding.
Encourage autonomy and decision-making
Allow your teen to make age-appropriate decisions and take on responsibilities. Support their independence and show confidence in their abilities, helping them develop a sense of competence and self-trust.
Focus on strengths and achievements
Acknowledge and celebrate your teen’s strengths, talents, and accomplishments. Remind them often that they are a good person. Encourage them to pursue activities they enjoy and excel in, boosting their self-confidence and self-belief.
Teach and model self-compassion
Help your teen understand the importance of self-compassion and self-care. Encourage them to be kind and forgiving to themselves, and model self-compassionate behavior in your own life.
Compliment your teen’s physical appearance
You can boost your teen’s confidence level by regularly giving them compliments.
Set realistic expectations
Help your teen set realistic and attainable goals, both academically and personally. Encourage them to strive for personal growth and improvement rather than perfection, and emphasize that mistakes and setbacks are part of the learning process.
Promote a healthy body image
Encourage a positive body image by promoting a healthy lifestyle rather than focusing on appearance. Encourage healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and emphasize the importance of self-care and self-acceptance.
Support social connections
Help your teen build and maintain healthy friendships and social skills. Encourage them to engage in activities and hobbies they enjoy, fostering a sense of belonging and positive social interactions.
Seek professional support if needed
If your teen is struggling with low self-esteem, consider seeking the help of a professional, such as a therapist or counselor, who can provide additional guidance and support.
Remember, building confidence is an ongoing process, and it requires patience, understanding, and consistent support from parents and caregivers.
What are some books to help teens feel better about themselves?
One of the best ways to learn new things is to read books. There are several great books available to help young people deal with how they feel about themselves. Here are my top recommendations:
- “The Self-Esteem Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help You Build Confidence and Achieve Your Goals” by Lisa M. Schab
- This workbook provides interactive activities, exercises, and techniques to help teens develop self-esteem, build confidence, and overcome self-doubt.
- “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” by Sean Covey
- This book offers practical advice and strategies for teens to become more proactive, set and achieve goals, build healthy relationships, and develop a strong sense of self-worth.
- “The Confidence Code for Girls: Taking Risks, Messing Up, and Becoming Your Amazingly Imperfect, Totally Powerful Self” by Katty Kay, Claire Shipman, and JillEllyn Riley
- Specifically targeted at teenage girls, this book explores the concept of confidence and provides tools, stories, and advice to help girls build self-esteem and embrace their unique strengths.
- “Be Confident in Who You Are: A Middle School Guide to Self-Esteem for Boys” by Annie Fox
- Written for middle school-aged boys, this book offers guidance on self-acceptance, handling peer pressure, dealing with emotions, and building self-esteem through positive actions.
- “Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead” by Brené Brown
- While not specifically for teens, this book explores the power of vulnerability and embracing imperfections. It offers valuable insights for teens to develop self-compassion, authenticity, and resilience.
- “The Grown-Up’s Guide to Teenage Humans: How to Decode Their Behavior, Develop Unshakable Trust, and Raise a Respectable Adult” by Josh Shipp
- This book provides advice for parents and caregivers to understand and support teens in building confidence, fostering healthy relationships, and navigating the challenges of adolescence.
Reading these books can be a helpful tool, but it’s essential to combine them with open communication, support from trusted adults, and engaging in personal reflection and growth activities.
Nurturing self-esteem in teens is a vital aspect of their personal development. By incorporating engaging and interactive self-esteem games into their lives, we can empower them to embrace their unique qualities, build confidence, and develop a positive self-image.
Building self-esteem is an ongoing process, and these games are just a starting point. Prepare to do some hard work. Encourage open communication, provide support, and celebrate their growth. Together, let’s empower our teens to become resilient, self-assured individuals who believe in their abilities and face life’s challenges with confidence and self-worth.
