What are you? How do you teach your own children to believe that they are these attributes, plus so much more? Here at Characters of Character we have created nine animal characters, specifically Self-Esteem Elephant who teaches a child these three powerful words:
'I Like ME'
When I work with a group of children and youth to discuss self-esteem, this is the character they relate to, understand and embrace. The first time you ask them what they like about who they are, they are like a deer in the headlights! It's extremely powerful to ask this question and the outcome is breath taking! You may have to get the conversation started by pointing out something as simple as the bright smile a child has, or ask them questions to get started. For example, who here likes to play ......or is good at .......and hands will rise! This gets them thinking about who they are, what they like to do, what they are good at and when the conversations unfold, their peers are amazed to find out these things about their classmates. Usually in school students see one another on an academic level when there is so much more to each and every one of them.
Building confidence and self-esteem in a person allows them to shine and find their inner light to share with everyone! Sometimes we need to help a child or youth to look within and share theirs. When a child is confident:
* They are more likely to build a foundation for a path of success now and into adulthood.
* They develop critical coping skills.
* They inspire empathy and understanding.
* They are confident to move forward in a task or even a thought.
* They attract other like minded persons.
The above is a tee shirt my daughter created and I JUST LOVE IT!! I wear mine all the time and I can't tell you how many people have commented on it! Visuals are an important part of learning for me and I truly believe that when we see a visual, it gets us thinking and can even change our mindset!
Now, follow my lead here, give me a thumbs up, and repeat after me, "I Like ME" while pointing to yourself! Do this with children and youth and watch them smile, start the conversation and let's work together to influence them into finding their inner voice, their shining light and become role models for the community!
Learn more here. There are so many ways we can partner and make a difference in the life of a child.