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HomeResources and SupportA-Z resourcesSelf esteem

Self esteem

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Below you will find a variety of resources to help you better understand self esteem.

Books

101 ways to help your daughter love her body 

Richardson, Brenda Lane -- New York: HarperCollins, 2001.

This book will provide parents with practical ideas tailored to girls from birth through the teenage years. These initiatives inform parents and encourage them to take active roles in helping their daughters develop confidence, treat their bodies with love and respect, and make peace with their unique builds so that they can revel in a sense of femaleness and physical competence.

The body image workbook for teens: activities to help girls develop a healthy body image in an image-obsessed world 

Taylor, Julia V. -- Oakland, CA: Instant Help Books, 2014.

In this workbook the reader will find practical exercises and tips that address the most common factors that can lead to negative body image, including: comparison, negative self-talk, unrealistic media images, societal and family pressures, perfectionism, toxic friendships, and a fear of disappointing others. They will also learn powerful coping strategies to deal with the daily, intense pressures of being a teenage girl.

Building self-esteem in children and teens who are adopted or fostered 

Cornbluth, Sue. -- London; Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2014.

This book offers simple advice to those supporting adopted or fostered children ages 7 and up, and explains why these children can often experience self-esteem issues, and the impact it can have on their lives. The book provides everyday strategies to help the child move beyond their trauma and develop healthy self-esteem.

Don't behave like you live in a cave 

Verdick, Elizabeth; Steve Mark. -- Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Pub, 2010.

Explains how children can make smarter, more positive choices about how they behave at home and at school and, as a result, stay out of trouble, feel good about themselves, and get along better with family, friends, and teachers.

Don't feed the monster on Tuesdays! the children's self-esteem book 

Moser, Adolph J -- Kansas City: Landmark Editions, 1991.

Helps children understand the importance of self-worth and how to strengthen self-esteem. Appropriate for ages 5-10 years

Howard B. Wigglebottom listens to his heart 

Binkow, Howard; Cornelison, Susan F. (ill.): Thunderbolt Publishing, 2009.

When the children at school laugh at him, Howard the rabbit decides to stop dancing even though he loves it, until he realizes his dancing is what makes him unique.

I can do that: a book about confidence 

Gutelle, Andrew -- Alexandria, VA: Time-Life, 1996.

Loonette fears that she can't do anything right until Molly reminds her of a special talent that is all her own. Appropriate for ages 3-6 years.

The introvert advantage: how to thrive in an extrovert world 

Laney, Martin Olsen -- New York: Workman Publishing, 2002.

This book shows how to not just survive, but thrive, how to take advantage of the introvert's special qualities to create a life that's just right for the introvert temperament, to discover new ways to expand their energy reserves, and even how, when necessary, to confidently become a temporary extrovert.

Making every day count: daily readings for young people on solving problems, setting goals and feeling good about yourself 

Espeland, Pamela -- Minneapolis: Free Spirit Publishing, 1998.

Presents 366 quotations, advice, and affirmations to help readers face challenges, plan for the future, and appreciate their unique and wonderful qualities.

The relaxation & stress reduction workbook for kids: help for children to cope with stress, anxiety & transitions 

Shapiro, Lawrence E.; Sprague, Robin K. -- Oakland, CA: New Harbinger, 2009.

Offers parents a variety of techniques they can use to help their children relax, unwind, and deal constructively with common stressors such as divorce, loss of a loved one, a family move, starting at a new school, and more.

The right moves: a girl's guide to getting fit and feeling good 

Schwager, Tina -- Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Press, 1998.

This is a self-help book for teens on health, self-esteem, fitness, and nutrition. Appropriate for ages 13-17 years

The self-esteem workbook for teens: activities to help you build confidence and achieve your goals 

Schab, Lisa M. -- Oakland, CA: Instant Help Books, 2013.

Helps you develop a healthy, realistic view of yourself that includes honest assessments of your weaknesses and strengths, and learn to respect yourself, faults and all. This book shows you how to distinguish the outer appearance of confidence from the quiet, steady, inner acceptance and humility of true self-esteem.

The survival guide for making and being friends 

Crist, James J. -- Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Publishing, 2014.

This book helps children improve their social skills so they can better enjoy the benefits of friendship. Practical advice covers everything from breaking the ice to developing friendships to overcoming problems.

Surviving girlhood: building positive relationships, attitudes, and self-esteem to prevent teenage girl bullying

Giant, Nikki; Beddoe, Rachel. -- London; Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2013.

Teenage girls can be mean. Often stemming from poor self-awareness, self-esteem and lack of relationship skills, complex friendship dynamics can be difficult to unravel and bullying can be hard to resolve. This book provides a unique resource for preventing girl bullying by addressing the root causes and helping girls to be strong, positive individuals.

The teenage guy's survival guide 

Daldry, Jeremy -- Boston: Little, Brown, 1999.

This book tackles issues that adolescent boys face each day--from asking a girl out on a date to truths and myths about boys' "rites of passage".

Tibby tried it

Useman, Sharon -- Washington, DC: Magination Press, 1999.

Tibby the tree swallow cannot fly because he has a crooked wing, but the other animals teach him skills that come in handy when a baby robin falls from its nest.

Understanding the causes of a negative body image 

Moe, Barbara -- New York: Hazelden/Rosen, 1999.

Discusses positive and negative body image, with an emphasis on body size and weight, and suggests ways to improve self-esteem and develop a healthy body image.

When girls feel fat: helping girls through adolescence 

Friedman, Sandra Susan -- Toronto: HarperCollins, 2001.

This book offers practical ways for parents and mentors to guide girls through adolescence into healthy, confident women and provides empathetic, clear and proven strategies to deal with many issues.

Websites

  • Kids Health – Information for Kids, Teens and Parents from the Nemours Foundation
  • Kids Help Phone
  • How to Foster your Child's Self Esteem – Caring for Kids
  • How to Build Healthy Self-Esteem in Children – Scholastic 
  • Growth and Development: Helping Your Child Build Self-Esteem - My Health Alberta
  • Ways to Build Your Teenager's Self-Esteem – Healthy Children

Videos

  • Self-Esteem, Friendships + Social Skills: What You Need to Know About Helping Your Child – CHEOvideos (6 Parts)

Disclaimer

These resources are for educational purposes only. If you have any questions, ask your health-care provider.

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