Building Blocks for Healthy Self-Esteem in Young Children

How providers can nurture confidence, belonging, and resilience

A child’s sense of self begins to form long before they start school. The way children see

themselves—their strengths, abilities, and worth—is shaped by the words, actions, and environments around them. In Tribal early learning programs, providers play an essential role in helping children build healthy self-esteem by creating spaces where they feel secure, valued, and capable.

Self-esteem influences nearly every part of a child’s development—from learning and problem-solving to how they handle challenges and connect with others. It grows when children feel loved, respected, and trusted, and when their cultural identity is celebrated. Below are 12 building blocks providers can use to support strong self-esteem in young children.

1. A Sense of Security

Children thrive when they feel safe—physically, emotionally, and culturally. Consistent routines, gentle transitions, and familiar caregivers help build trust. A calm classroom and dependable relationships reassure children that their world is stable and that they belong.

2. A Sense of Belonging

Belonging is at the heart of self-esteem. Make sure each child feels seen and valued as part of the classroom community. Incorporate family photos, Tribal languages, and cultural symbols into the environment to remind them that who they are—and where they come from—matters.

3. A Sense of Purpose

Children gain confidence when they have meaningful roles and goals. Encourage them to take part in daily routines, classroom jobs, or group projects. Even simple responsibilities—like helping feed the fish or setting the table—foster a sense of purpose and pride.

4. A Sense of Competence and Pride

Offer challenges that children can succeed at through effort and practice. Celebrate progress rather than perfection. When children solve problems or create something with their own hands, acknowledge their determination: “You worked hard on that puzzle and didn’t give up!”

5. A Sense of Trust

Trust goes both ways. Keep your promises, respond consistently, and give children opportunities to be trusted. This might mean allowing them to pour their own water, pass out napkins, or care for a classroom plant. When we show faith in their abilities, they learn to trust themselves too.

6. A Sense of Responsibility

Give children chances to contribute meaningfully to their learning environment. Responsibility teaches them that their actions matter and that they have something valuable to offer to others.

7. A Sense of Contribution

Children’s confidence grows when they see how their efforts help the group. Acknowledge these moments out loud: “You helped your friends clean up the blocks—that made our room safe for everyone.” Connection and contribution are powerful confidence builders.

8. A Sense of Choice and Decision-Making

Offer children simple, age-appropriate choices—like picking between two activities or snack options. Making decisions helps them develop independence and a sense of control over their environment while learning to respect boundaries and community rules.

9. A Sense of Self-Discipline and Control

Teach children that independence comes with responsibility. Encourage them to pause, think, and choose positive actions. This builds early emotional regulation skills that are essential for future learning and healthy relationships.

10. A Sense of Encouragement and Support

A child’s efforts should be noticed and celebrated. Praise specific actions (“You worked carefully on your drawing”) rather than traits (“You’re so smart”). This helps children connect effort with success and builds intrinsic motivation.

11. A Sense of Acceptance Around Mistakes and Failure

Mistakes are part of learning. Model how to handle frustration and setbacks calmly. When children see adults make mistakes and recover, they learn that it’s safe to try again—and that growth happens through persistence.

12. A Sense of Family and Cultural Pride

A child’s self-esteem grows strongest when it’s rooted in family and culture. Encourage families to share songs, stories, and traditions in the classroom. Celebrate Tribal values of connection, community, and care. Remind children that their ancestors’ strength lives within them—and that who they are is something to be proud of.

Bringing It All Together

Building healthy self-esteem is not about teaching confidence—it’s about nurturing it through relationships, consistency, and belonging. When providers create spaces that honor each child’s identity and potential, they are helping shape confident, capable, and resilient future leaders of their Nations.