Self-Esteem Games for Kids

Kids lose their confidence when faced with stressful situations, negative experiences, or fear of failure, whether from school pressure, social challenges, or personal struggles. But did you know you can help children build their confidence through games? Games that engage their minds and encourage positive thinking can be powerful tools.

Some of the most effective games for building confidence include Catch the Compliment, Roll in Appreciation, Round Robin Storytelling, Once Upon a Time, and Rory’s Story Cubes. You can also encourage them to try games like Tell Tale Card Game, Strong Suit, Totika, and Totem Self-Esteem Games. 

Let’s explore these games.

10 Fun and Easy Games for Kids to Build Self-Esteem

1. Catch the Compliment

Catch the Compliment is a fun game that encourages kids to show gratitude and appreciation for each other. To play, the children form a circle, and one child tosses a ball to someone else. As the ball is caught, the person who tossed it gives a compliment to the catcher—whether it’s something they admire about them or a skill they appreciate. This simple act helps kids feel valued, important, and supported by their peers.

2. Roll in Appreciation

In a dice-based version of Catch the Compliment, the roll of the dice decides how many compliments the next player will receive. This adds an extra layer of fun and excitement! Not only does Roll in Appreciation boost self-esteem, but it also encourages kids to reflect on the positive qualities of others, promoting kindness and gratitude as they share thoughtful compliments with their peers.

3. Round Robin Storytelling

Round Robin Storytelling is a fun, creative game that helps build confidence and sparks imagination. Children sit in a circle, and the first person starts a story with one sentence. Each player takes turns adding to the story, building on what the previous person said. This game not only encourages creativity but also helps kids develop strong communication skills and boosts their confidence as they share positive ideas with the group.

4. Scavenger Hunt Storytelling

By adding a kinesthetic twist to Round Robin Storytelling, this version encourages even more creativity! Each child picks up three random household items and then incorporates them into their part of the story, which helps kids think outside the box, allowing them to stretch their imaginations and retain that creative, flexible thinking.

5. Once Upon a Time

Once Upon a Time is a mix of competition and collaboration, where kids use cards that represent characters, settings, plot points, and an ending to create their own stories. The challenge is to incorporate all elements into a cohesive narrative from start to finish. This game not only builds confidence but also helps improve storytelling skills and boosts critical thinking as kids work to weave together their ideas. 

6. Rory's Story Cubes

Rory’s Story Cubes is a fun, portable game made up of nine dice, each with a design on its side. When the dice are rolled, they inspire kids to build narratives from the pictures they see. This game encourages creativity and helps children improve their storytelling and verbal expression skills. It also boosts their confidence in speaking up in front of others.

7. Strong Suit – The Tower of Self-Esteem

In this team-based game, kids work together to build a tower by answering questions that highlight their strengths. As they respond, they not only contribute to the tower but also recognize their unique qualities and talents. The game encourages teamwork and collaboration, helping kids feel a sense of achievement and ownership as they build the tower together.

8. Totika Self-Esteem Game

Ihis game, similar to Jenga, kids take turns removing wooden blocks from a tower, and each block is a different color that corresponds to a self-esteem-building question. Playing the Totika self-esteem game encourages meaningful discussions, helping kids improve their communication skills while boosting their confidence and self-awareness. It’s a fun and impactful way to promote positive thinking and connection.

9. Tell Tale Card Game

The Tell Tale Card Game features double-sided cards with images of characters, settings, and objects. Kids pick a few cards and use the images to create their own stories. As they create their story, they not only strengthen their self-esteem but also improve their communication skills, gaining more confidence in expressing their thoughts and ideas.

10. Totem – The Game of Self-Esteem

Totem is a discussion game where kids pick cards that highlight a person’s best qualities and put them in the spotlight. As they explain their choices and share their thoughts, they practice receiving compliments. This game fosters a positive environment filled with praise and encouragement, helping children build their self-esteem and feel more comfortable accepting compliments. 

Causes of Low Self-Esteem in Children

Various factors can cause low self-esteem in children. The main causes for low self-esteem include:

• Negative Experiences: Constant criticism, bullying, or unrealistic expectations from parents, teachers, or peers can make children feel inadequate and doubt their worth.
• Comparison with Others: Constant comparison with peers, especially in competitive environments, tends to affect self-confidence.
• Fear of Failure: Past failures or setbacks may discourage children from trying new things and affect their trust in their abilities.
• Lack of Encouragement: Children who aren’t encouraged to try new things or overcome challenges may struggle with low-confidence.
• Unstable Home Environment: Family disputes, tension at home, and lack of emotional support may affect a child's self-esteem.
• Unrealistic Expectations: High expectations in academics, sports, or social situations can create pressure that leads to anxiety, which in turn can lower self-confidence. 
• Social Inaccessibility: When a child struggles to make friends and faces social exclusion, it can lead to feelings of loneliness and a lack of self-respect. 

Conclusion

Self-esteem games are not just about entertainment—they help children boost confidence, communication skills, and emotional resilience. In these activities, kids realize their strengths, practice gratitude, and build a positive self-image. Games like Catch the Compliment, Roll in Appreciation, Round Robin, Once Upon a Time, and Rory’s Story Cubes are fantastic for fostering these qualities. You can also introduce Strong Suit, Totika, and Totem self-esteem games for added impact. To help children feel appreciated and supported, you can connect with A Confident Mindset™  for resources to guide kids through practical activities and games.