When it comes to looks and physical appearance, young people are often their own toughest critics. Try these activities as a fun way to boost your child's confidence and show them how brilliant they really are.
It's common for young people – especially girls – to become overly concerned with the way they look and prioritise appearance over other aspects of themselves. This activity will help them think about themselves in a more positive light.
Play Why I'm Brilliant
This game involves your child building a collection of pictures and words that describe all the reasons they should feel good about themselves. From talents to personality traits, they'll build a picture that will really boost their self-esteem.
How to play the game
We all have characteristics and traits that make us unique. Think about all the special things that you, your family and your friends value about you.
1. Find a photo of yourself that you like and stick it on a blank sheet of paper
2. Think about what you like about yourself. Try to include one thing you like about your looks, one for your personality and two more that are talents. Find pictures that represent each of these, either in magazines or online, and stick them on the same sheet of paper. Write 'looks', 'personality' and 'talents' as headings near each set of images. Add an explanation below each picture if you wish
3. Now think about things your friends and family like about you and add these to your collage
4. When you're happy with what you've created, share the finished product with your friends to inspire them to see the brilliant aspects of themselves
5. Show it to your parents and ask what they think of it. Maybe you can make one for mum or dad together?
6. The next time one of your friends is worried about their appearance, tell them why you like them. It will remind them (and you) that looks aren't the only things we value
Action checklist: How to build your child's self-confidence
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
I have accomplished things that I am proud of and that is what gives me my confidence and my beauty."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
You aren’t meant to fade into the background."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
Your worth has nothing to do with your weight."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
It was only when I realized that what makes you different and unique also makes you beautiful, that’s when my confidence grew."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
My beauty routine starts with embracing my own natural beauty and its uniqueness."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
Real beauty to me means challenging yourself to do the things you can’t and showing yourself kindness along the way."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
I have stopped trying so hard to fit in - my beautiful personality is written all over my face and that’s the only beauty I need."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
I learned that beauty is from the heart, it’s all about kindness."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
I don't often see dark skin in the media, and skin conditions even less so. I want everyone to see that being a Black woman with vitiligo is a source of resilience and pride."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
Growing up as a transgender woman, I was pressured to change who I was to fit others' ideas about who a woman should be. Now I'm representing myself and my beauty on my own terms."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
I want to shatter the stereotype that I need breasts to look like a woman. Choosing to live flat after my mastectomy has made be stronger and more confidenand that's truly beautiful."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
I've carried three babies in this belly, and earned every grey hair. I want all mothers to see that their bodies are perfect just the way they are."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
There's a lot of pressure for women to 'act their age'. I want to show that aging means continually growing and experiencing life beautifully."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
Femininity is often depicted as a formula - cut your hair like this, wear that. To me, it's about loving yourself fearlessly for who you are."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
Growing up, I never saw women wearing hijabs in media & advertising. Now girls can see me, achieving my career goals and defining beauty on my own terms."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
I grew up surrounded by narrow ideas about how a woman should look and what she could be. I’ve overcome those limits and make no apologies for embracing my ambition and my natural beauty."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
I'm not worried about fitting into anyone else's ideas of beauty. As a brown-skinned multi-media creator, I want to redefine beauty to include all of us in the melanin pride community."
YOUR DAILY DOSE OF DOVE LOVE
Women with Alopecia often feel that baldness will hold them back from realizing their full personal and professional potential. Showing the beauty of bald women helps open doors for us to opportunities that others take for granted."