Some children struggle to see the good in themselves. They may think they are not good enough, give up easily, or worry about making mistakes. When these feelings last, treatment for low self-esteem can help children learn to believe in themselves again.
In this guide, you’ll learn about different therapy options, ways to support your child at home, and helpful resources that encourage healthy self-esteem.
Therapies and Treatments
If your child always puts themselves down, they do not have to face those feelings alone. Many children improve with support. A mental health professional can help your child understand their thoughts and experiences, and learn coping strategies.
Research suggests that treatment can help children feel better about themselves [*].
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one common treatment for low self-esteem. CBT helps children notice negative thoughts, such as “I can’t do anything right,” and replace them with more balanced and realistic ones.
Children also practice coping skills like identifying and managing big feelings, problem-solving, and positive self-talk. Studies have found that CBT programs can improve children's self-esteem [*].
Play therapy is another helpful option, especially for younger children who may not be able to discuss their feelings. During play therapy, children are accepted just as they are, so they can feel safe. They may use toys, sand trays, art, or role-play to work through difficult experiences.
Group therapy may also benefit some children. Here, they meet other kids who have similar struggles. In a supportive setting, children practice talking with others, solving problems together, and encouraging one another. Group CBT, in particular, has been shown to improve self-esteem in school-aged children [*].
If a child struggles with friendships or feels shy in social situations, social skills training may be helpful. Children practice everyday skills like greeting others, joining conversations, taking turns, and expressing their thoughts politely [*].
Family therapy is another option, as it helps the entire family work as a team. Parents and caregivers learn how their words and relationships at home can affect a child’s self-esteem. When the whole family works together to create a safe and encouraging environment, children can feel more valued.
Many children also benefit from school supports. A school counselor or psychologist can provide one-on-one or small-group support.
Trusted teachers also matter enormously because they’re a daily presence. A teacher who notices effort and creates a classroom where mistakes are treated as normal can shift a child’s self-concept.
In addition to counseling, a mental health professional may recommend art, music, or occupational therapy. These approaches help children express themselves in different ways as they regain confidence.
Many children benefit from a mix of therapies that helps them develop a more positive self-image.
How Can Parents Support Them at Home?
Because you spend time with your child every day, you have many chances to encourage them and help them see their strengths [*]. The good news is that building self-esteem does not require big or expensive gestures.
Here are some simple ways you can help your child at home:
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Model healthy confidence: Let your child see you speak kindly about yourself and stay positive after making mistakes. Children learn best by watching those around them.
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Celebrate how hard your child worked: Notice how hard your child tried, not only whether they won or got the right answer. Whenever you do this, they understand that improving is more important than being perfect.
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Let your child learn from their mistakes: Do not rush to fix every problem or prevent every failure. Natural mistakes give children the chance to practice problem-solving.
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Point out their strengths: Notice their unique talents, positive qualities, and even kind actions. Helping them recognize what they do well can strengthen their confidence.
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Spend one-on-one time together: Set aside a few minutes each day to focus only on your child. You might chat during breakfast, read a bedtime story, take a walk after dinner, or play a favorite game together.
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Give them small tasks: Keep responsibilities age-appropriate so they can experience success and feel proud of what they accomplish. For example, they can put away their toys, feed a pet, water plants, or help set the table.
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Help your child set small goals: Encourage your child to work toward simple, achievable goals instead of expecting big changes all at once. For example, they might practice reading for 15 minutes each day, learn to tie their shoes, or clean up their toys without being reminded.
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Make your love unconditional: Show your support through kind words, patience, hugs, and being present during both happy and difficult moments.
Resources
The journey to healthy self-esteem doesn’t end here. Explore these trusted resources for more information, parenting tips, and professional guidance:
