Teaching kids self-confidence begins with a positive sense of who they are. And we found five fantastic books that will help cultivate that in them!
What’s a Positive Sense of Self?
A sense of self is a complex concept. It involves both the inner and outer self, who one perceives themselves to be. Young children, though often unable to express their sense of self verbally, are developing the way they think about themselves.
Children are gathering information to answer key questions for themselves. Am I smart? Am I brave and capable? Can I try new things? Will I be okay? Do I matter? Am I loved? Do I belong? The answers to these questions and more are those that makeup one’s sense of self.
What books do you have in your kids’ library that teach self-confidence? Share in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you and your ICM community would, too!
Why It Matters
One’s faith, and therefore one’s understanding of God’s love and the grace and support of a church community, can offer much in teaching kids self-confidence. Mentors, spiritual guides, pastors, parents, worship leaders, counselors: you all matter!
As children grow into their sense of self their actions will be a reflection of who they believe they are. The ways they think about themselves will lead to how they live. The most valuable gift we can offer children, no matter our role in their lives, is a positive sense of self.
Timeless Gift
A positive sense of self is timeless, staying with a child all their life. Children who feel loved and confident develop into happy, productive people. And teaching kids self-confidence starts with messages about who they are.
We hope these five books are tools you can use in teaching children in your life just how wonderful they are.
5 Books That Teach Kids Self Confidence
When God Made You
by Matthew Paul Turner
From early on, children are looking to discover their place in the world and longing to understand how their personalities, traits, and talents fit in. The assurance that they are deeply loved and a unique creation in our big universe is certain to help them spread their wings and fly.
Through playful, charming rhyme and vivid, fantastical illustrations, When God Made You inspires young readers to learn about their own special gifts and how they fit into God’s divine plan as they grow, explore, and begin to create for themselves.
Dear Girl,
by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal
A New York Times #1 Bestseller, Dear Girl, is a remarkable love letter written for the special girl in your life; a gentle reminder that she’s powerful, strong, and holds a valuable place in the world.
Through Amy and Paris’s charming text and Holly Hatam’s stunning illustrations, any girl reading this book will feel that she’s great just the way she is—whether she enjoys jumping in a muddy puddle, has a face full of freckles, or dances on table tops.
Dear Girl, encourages girls to always be themselves and to love who they are—inside and out.
I Matter
by Laurie N. Wright
Kids should know they matter even when the words aren’t said!
Sometimes Elise feels happy, but sometimes she feels sad. There are things in her life that even make her feel MAD. Elise is a clever little girl, however, so she stops and thinks about her feelings, and realizes that she is always important and that she MATTERS.
Kids matter to their family and friends, and to the world around them, and they need to know it. Use this book to help them learn a lesson that will last a lifetime.
I’m NOT Just a Scribble
by Diane Alber
Scribble, the book’s main character, never thought he was different until he met his first drawing. Then, after being left out because he didn’t look like everyone else, Scribble teaches the drawings how to accept each other for who they are. This enables them to create amazing art.
This book not only has illustrations that any child can recognize but it also addresses inclusion without boundaries so that anyone can relate to it. Each book comes with 100 stickers so that children can create their very own Scribble. They will be able to learn the emotions discussed in the book as well as associate colors with feelings in a fun creative way.
You’re All Kinds of Wonderful
by Nancy Tillman
Part of growing up is discovering―and embracing―what makes us unique. From different abilities to different personalities, we are all wonderfully made with our own bells and whistles.
Once again, New York Times bestselling author and artist Nancy Tillman takes a universal truth and makes it accessible for readers young and old.
You Are a Blessing
If you’re reading this, you’re likely already a blessing to the children in your life. Continue noticing the unique way God has and is crafting your young ones and speak to them often about it. We hope you find great joy with them as they learn their great value and place in the world and that these books are a fun tool to use along the way.
And don’t forget to share in the comments below what books you keep in your library that you use in teaching kids self-confidence!
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