Emotional wellbeing and mental health

Self-esteem is feeling good about yourself. It’s about knowing you belong, you matter, you can do things well and you’re worthy of being loved and accepted by people who are important to you. Having high self-esteem enables us to act independently, attempt new tasks, deal with challenges, tolerate frustration, take pride in our achievements and actively participate in our community.

Kids in care have often experienced trauma, neglect and adversity. Their experiences before and during care, such as being separated from parents or insecurity arising from placement changes, can affect their self-esteem, confidence and ability to cope.

The value in keeping kids active

Encouraging kids to participate regularly in sport, creative hobbies and other activities they enjoy helps them to develop new skills, self-esteem and a sense of purpose and identity.

You have a great deal of influence over your child’s attitudes towards sport and recreational activities. Your lifestyle, enthusiasm and support can have a major impact on getting them involved in activities.

Get kids away from screens and encourage them to be part of life!

Involvement in activities such as sports, arts, music, dance, drama and playgroups can:

• help get kids through a difficult time
• let them make links in their community, interact with peers and make new friends
• provide opportunities for safe risk taking, learning and developing teamwork, coordination and discipline skills
• offer a way to express themselves and their feelings creatively in a safe environment
• promote self-worth and a sense of accomplishment
• provide a chance to play and learn with others
• give you an opportunity to make new friends and develop a support network in your local community.

Things you can do to help build self-esteem

• Let them know you’re glad they are who they are.
• Give them attention and affection and spend time with them.
• Show respect by talking to them in the way you appreciate being spoken to and taking what they have to say seriously.
• Take an interest in their hobbies, activities, schoolwork and opinions.
• Give them specific praise for the things they do including their efforts.
• Make them feel needed by asking them to help with tasks.
• Teach them to trust their feelings.
• Keep special mementos, take photos and celebrate achievements.
• Show them that you have faith in them and their judgement.
• Be careful not to send negative messages that say they’re a failure, a nuisance or unwanted.

Speak to your caseworker if you’re having difficulty accessing activities, or wish to discuss the child or young person’s sport and recreational needs. Otherwise, try some of these ideas:

• play with kids: take them to the park or go to a playgroup
• be active and have your own interests
• be active as a family - go to the park, beach, picnics, bowling and swimming
• find out about local sport and recreation clubs, groups and activities
• emphasise having fun and reduce competitive situations for children who are developing skills
• give lots of encouragement and offer to help if the child or young person is having difficulty learning a new skill
• encourage them to do activities at home with their friends
• restrict time spent watching TV and playing computer games
• find out what activities are offered at their school and take a big interest in their school day. Ask them about what they do each day including favourite subjects, sports and what they do at lunchtime
• volunteer to help in the classroom, coach a sports team, or assist with major sporting events such as swimming carnivals and inter-school sports days.