Children’s Books about Self Esteem
Liking themselves helps children feel happy and succeed in life. You can encourage confidence in your kids by reading children’s books about self esteem!
“I LOVE YOU!” my son bellowed to himself in the mirror.
I had to chuckle to myself—earlier that morning, I had told him how important it is to love yourself, to truly believe that you are an amazing person. And one of the ways to affirm that, I suggested, was to look yourself in the mirror and say, “I love you.”
You see, no one is immune to questioning their worth, kids included. A child could be the only one in his class who can’t snap his fingers or the last one to touch the wall in a game of race.
Maybe he realizes that his twin brother is reading more words, or that he can’t light up the room and delight the crowd as his little sister can.
Positive self-esteem is important to nurture in our kids. This reminds them that they can accomplish so much and that we all have unique skills we can contribute. Feeling good and liking themselves are healthy and necessary for kids.
So, how can we encourage a positive self-image in our kids?
Focus on effort, not so much a supposed innate trait your child may have. Diligent practice and commitment—instead of the pressure to get it right the first time—can help him take pride in his achievements.
Tell him you love him no matter what, whether he’s throwing a tantrum, asleep in bed, or away at school. Watch your disappointment—focus on correcting his behavior, but never react in a way that makes him question whether you still love him as a person.
Accept his personality, even though it can sometimes be so different from your own. And support his interests, never mind that it feels like you’ve had your fill of dinosaurs to last a lifetime.
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The best children’s books about self esteem
And of course, read books.
Talking to our kids about self acceptance is important. But stories and beautiful illustrations can also encourage them to open up in ways conversations can’t.
You’ll meet characters in these books who’ve felt the same emotions your child feels, making it easier to relate to them. They even give steps and ideas on how to feel good when life seems down. And books remind him of the many ways he is awesome, exactly the way he is.
These books make excellent reads, whether he seems full of self esteem or could use a little boost. Take a look at my favorite selections of children’s books about self esteem:
The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be by Joanna Gaines
Spaghetti In A Hot Dog Bun by Maria Dismondy and Kim Shaw
Go Get ‘Em, Tiger! by Sabrina Moyle
Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
Dear Girl by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad
Affirmation Weaver by Lori Lite
A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon
The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett
You’ve Got Gifts! by Kristin A. Sherry
The Eensy Weensy Spider Freaks Out! by Troy Cummings
Ordinary Love by Morgan Barber
I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont
I’m Gonna Like Me by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell
Incredible You by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell
Free resource: Want even more book selections? Join my newsletter and grab your Read Aloud Book List! You’ll get hundreds of favorite selections to read aloud with your kids. Get it below—at no cost to you:
