Building healthy self-esteem in children is one of the most important (and nuanced) parts of therapeutic work. Many kids struggle with self-doubt, comparison, perfectionism, or relying on external validation to feel worthy. The self-esteem activities for kids below provide easy-to-implement drawing exercises that target self-esteem and self-worth.
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Using intentional art therapy activities, therapists (and parents) can help children form their identity, recognize their strengths, and develop self-worth that isn’t dependent on outside approval.
In this post, I’m sharing three simple yet impactful art activities for kids that support self-esteem therapy, identity development, and emotional growth.
Why Art Therapy Activities for Self-Esteem are Useful
Creative expression allows children to explore their inner world in a safe and developmentally appropriate way. It also offers kids a way to express that inner world through imagery, story, and metaphor.
Whether you’re an art therapist, a child therapist, a family therapist, school counselor, or parent, self-esteem activities that incorporate art-making can enhance your work with your child clients.
When kids create art, they can use symbolic imagery to express feelings, communicate thoughts/beliefs, or tell stories. Therapeutic art-making can help children:
- Identify personal strengths
- Build confidence
- Explore identity
- Develop resilience
- Practice problem-solving
- Strengthen intrinsic self-worth
3 Self-Esteem Activities for Kids
These child therapy self-esteem activities (and their matching worksheets) are especially effective because they reduce pressure and allow children to communicate visually before putting feelings into words.
1️⃣ Superhero Drawing Activity
The Superhero Drawing exercise is a favorite for building confidence and resilience.
In this activity, children:
- Create their own superhero character
- Identify their superhero’s powers and strengths
- Draw scenarios where their superhero encounters a problem
- Show how their superhero solves it
This activity naturally opens up conversations about courage, coping skills, and personal strengths. Often, the superhero’s “powers” mirror qualities the child already possesses — even if they don’t recognize them yet.
Therapist Tip:
Be sure to the child interpret their artwork first. Avoid evaluative comments about artistic ability. Instead, ask open-ended questions like:
- “Tell me about your superhero.”
- “What is happening in your drawing?”
- “How does your superhero handle tough situations?”
- “Where do you see that strength in yourself?”
This superhero activity is a simple but effective tool for self-esteem therapy and identity exploration.
You can facilitate this Superhero Drawing Activity on your own, or get the worksheet instantly as part of the Art Therapy for Kids Worksheet Bundle I created, which has 60+ pages of art therapy-informed worksheets for child therapy.
2️⃣ Self-Esteem Self-Portrait
In this exercise, children draw themselves doing something they feel proud of or good about.
This activity helps you assess:
- How a child defines self-worth
- Whether their worth is tied to achievement or approval
- How they see themselves
Therapist Tip:
You can expand the activity by asking the child to:
- Write a short story about the drawing
- Turn it into a “news article” about themselves
- Identify strengths shown in the image
This opens the door to conversations about intrinsic worth versus external validation — a key component of healthy self-esteem development.
You can do this Self-Esteem Self Portrait Drawing Activity on your own, or get the worksheet instantly as part of the Art Therapy for Kids Worksheet Bundle I created, which has 60+ pages of art therapy-informed worksheets for child therapy.
3️⃣ Personal Flag Drawing Activity
The Personal Flag drawing activity supports identity development, improved self-esteem, and a clearer self-concept.
In this self-esteem therapeutic drawing activity, children create their own personal flag by depicting various aspects about themselves by depicting the following on their flag:
- Symbols
- Colors
- Images
- Words
Each element represents something meaningful about who they are.
This activity can help your child clients explore:
- Core values
- Family influences
- Interests
- Cultural identity
- Areas of pride
- Areas they wish to grow
- Personality traits
- Meaningful Images and Symbols
Therapist Tip:
If they are struggling with their flag and having trouble deciding what to draw, you can help by offering alternative perspectives by using questions like:
- “What would your best friend say you could put on your flag?”
- “What kinds of symbols represent the bravest parts of you? the silliest? the kindest?”
- “What would your parents add to your flag if they created one for you?”
This makes the Personal Flag one of the most versatile art therapy activities for kids focused on identity and self-worth.
You can do this Personal Flag Self-Esteem Activity on your own, or get the worksheet instantly as part of the Art Therapy for Kids Worksheet Bundle I created, which has 60+ pages of art therapy-informed worksheets for child therapy.
Important Considerations When Using Art in Therapy
When using art activities for kids, remember:
✔️ Do not interpret the artwork – and don’t share your thoughts on their creation before your client shares their own meaning
✔️ Avoid any praise focused on artistic skill – instead notice effort or energy
✔️ Focus on emotional insight and strengths
✔️ Use open-ended, reflective questions
These activities are art therapy–informed and can be used by therapists and non–art therapists alike, as long as they stay within their scope of practice.
Who Are These Child Therapy Worksheets For?
These activities are ideal for:
- Child therapists
- School counselors
- Social workers
- Mental health clinicians
- Parents supporting emotional growth
- Educators incorporating social-emotional learning
They can be used in:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Special Education Classrooms
- Telehealth sessions
- School settings
- At-home support
Get the Art Therapy for Kids Worksheet Bundle
The Superhero Drawing, Self-Esteem Self-Portrait, and Personal Flag Drawing exercises are all included in the Art Therapy for Kids Worksheet Bundle from Creative Therapy Ideas.
This bundle includes 60+ pages of printable child therapy worksheets covering:
- Self-esteem therapy
- Anxiety and emotion regulation
- Grief processing
- Trauma support
- Identity development
- Coping skills
If you’re looking for ready-to-use, thoughtfully designed art therapy activities that support children’s emotional growth, this bundle was created to make your sessions easier and more impactful.
👉 Purchase the Art Therapy for Kids Worksheet Bundle from the Creative Therapy Ideas Etsy Shop
You can all of the worksheets instantly as part of the 60+ page Art Therapy for Kids Worksheet Bundle I created for counselors and therapists who provide child therapy.
Download instantly and start using these activities in your next session.
