Building self-esteem
Do you want to boost your child’s self-esteem? Use our practical articles and activities to help your daughter or son develop a positive body image, and worry less about how their looks compare with others.
Young people change enormously during adolescence, and sometimes their self-esteem suffers. As a parent, you want to help your child feel good about themselves, and having positive conversations about appearance is an important part of that.
You need to be tuned in to your child's changing needs, and help them develop an empowered attitude to their looks. You can also raise their confidence by discouraging them from comparing themselves with others, whether friends, classmates or people in the media.
Focusing on who they are as a person, and their relationships with family and friends, will reduce negative body talk. We’ve compiled these articles and activities to help your child make that shift – and to give you some ideas on how to support them.
So start reading and sharing today – and help boost your child's confidence.
What would you like to learn more about?
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![Dove Talking to kids about body confidence]()
body image
body confidence
looks and appearance
body talk
self-esteem
body functionality
3 to 9 years
Talking to kids about body confidenceOur bodies are brilliant – so let’s celebrate them. Here’s how to talk to kids about body positivity and body functionality.Our bodies are so much more than they look like. Find out how to talk to kids about body positivity and body functionality.
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![Dove Body talk and self-esteem in kids]()
body image
body confidence
looks and appearance
body talk
self-esteem
3 to 9 years
Body talk and positive body image for kidsWe’re talking body talk and how to build positive body image in kids – join us.If you’re wondering how to build self-esteem in children, find out more about body talk, being a role model and boosting confidence.
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![The 'Dove Real Beauty Pledge']()
self confidence
self image
body confidence
looks and appearance
self-esteem
The ‘Dove Real Beauty Pledge’Dove inspires women to want to look like the best version of themselves – because looking and feeling your best makes you feel happier.Dove invites all women to realize their personal potential for beauty by engaging them with products that deliver superior care. We believe that beauty should be a source of confidence and not anxiety. Dove inspires women to want to look like the best version of themselves – because looking and feeling your best makes you feel happier.
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body image
self comparison
looks and appearance
self-esteem
8 to 16 years
Is your child's perception of beauty distorted by media influence?Explore how retouched images of models and celebrities alter perceptions of beauty, and how the media influences your self-esteem, with our tips and activities.Images of people in the media are manipulated so dramatically these days, that it can feel like 'beauty' is less and less attainable. Help your child resist media influence and see the real picture.
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body image
self comparison
looks and appearance
self-esteem
8 to 14 years
Positive body confidence – how social media can affect body imageWhy do young people love social media? And could their use of it cause body confidence issues? Advice on minimising the negative impacts of social media.In the dazzling world of social media, today’s youth are often living their lives in full view of an online audience. For those from a different generation, the idea of ‘checking in’ online or sharing a selfie to let people know where you are and what you're up to might seem bizarre. But for young people today, getting ‘likes’ on photos, posts or comments in the virtual world can bring a powerful sense of accomplishment and community acceptance.
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![Dove How to deal with bullying]()
body image
looks and appearance
self-esteem
3 to 9 years
Talking to kids: how to deal with bullyingTeasing and bullying can cause low self-esteem and body image. Discover how to talk about it with the kids in your life.Find out more about teasing and bullying, effects on children and what you can do to help the young people in your life.
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![Dove Media and stereotypes]()
body image
looks and appearance
self-esteem
3 to 9 years
The influence of media on kids: what to look forWhat children see on their screens can have a big impact on their self-esteem. Discover the influence of media on kids here.Discover the influence of media on kids, how to choose inclusive and diverse media and what to look out for.
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![Dove Teaching kids about inner beauty and diversity]()
body image
looks and appearance
body functionality
3 to 9 years
Teaching kids to celebrate diversityEveryone is unique. Here’s how to celebrate diversity and inner beauty with the kids in your life.Everyone is unique. Here’s how to teach kids to celebrate diversity and inner beauty over appearance.
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![Uniquely Me]()
body image
looks and appearance
self-esteem
8 to 16 years
Uniquely Me: A tool to help build positive body confidence in your childStart here, use our parent’s resource Uniquely Me to boost your child's self-esteem.As a parent, it’s natural to want the best for your child – for them to be happy, healthy and confident individuals.
But that’s sometimes easier said than done, especially during the teen and pre-teen years when their bodies are changing, their self-confidence is fragile and they are trying to make that tricky transition out of childhood.
