Building Self-Worth Amidst Challenges

As a parent and caregiver, you want the children in your life to believe in themselves and their abilities, even in the face of challenges. Since you can’t save them from every tough moment they will face, the most effective use of your energy is to provide them with tools to strengthen their self-worth and confidence.

Although they don’t have control over what others choose to say, the GOOD NEWS is that they have the final say in what they choose to believe about their body, their talents, their abilities, their life and their UNIQUENESS! Replacing the negative words in their mind with a new positive affirmation is a way to override their self-defeating thoughts. Since they will hear their own voice far more frequently than anyone else’s, they need to make sure they use uplifting and encouraging words.

So how do you arm children with the ability to bounce back from negative, disrespectful judgments and opinions that undermine their belief in themselves? I’ve introduced my 11-year-old son and numerous students to the exercise below that I used growing up and continue to use to safeguard my self-worth.

1. Write down on a piece of paper any hurtful or disrespectful words they’ve encountered or harsh judgements they have created about themselves.
2. Rip up that piece of paper while saying the words, “I choose to let go.”
3. On a new piece of paper, write the words: “I choose to believe I am…” (they will fill in the rest with what it is they want to believe about themselves, regardless of the negative words/judgments). For example: “I choose to believe I am enough.” “I choose to believe I am amazing just the way I am.” “I choose to believe I am someone who makes a difference in the world.” 
4. Post their chosen affirmation somewhere to serve as a visual reminder. 

Encourage your child to regularly repeat their positive affirmation each day. The more they hear their own voice saying inspiring words, the more their confidence and self-worth will shine. They will also learn that what they focus on is in their control and what they choose to tell themselves matters.

 

Sara Westbrook is a professional speaker and creator of UPower Inc, offering keynotes, presentations and workshops on ‘Emotions Change Choices’ to audiences ages 4 -100. She can be found at sarawestbrook.com or on Instagram @iamsarawestbrook.