5 Self-Esteem Activities Every Girls’ Group Should Try

Fun, Powerful Ways to Help Girls Feel Seen, Valued & Confident

When girls feel good about who they are, they’re more likely to take healthy risks, speak up, show kindness, and lead with confidence. But self-esteem doesn’t magically happen—it grows through intentional moments of connection, reflection, and encouragement.

If you run a girls’ group, club, or mentorship circle, you already know how powerful these spaces can be. And the good news? You don’t need hours of planning to make an impact. Just a few simple, soul-nourishing activities can go a long way in helping girls know their worth.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Self-esteem activities help girls see their worth, speak kindly to themselves, and support one another.

• You don’t need to be a therapist—just a caring guide creating safe, empowering space.

• The best activities mix creativity, kindness, and connection to create real impact.

• These ideas can be done in circles, classrooms, or one-on-one mentoring sessions.

Here are 5 go-to self-esteem activities that are fun, uplifting, and easy to lead—no fancy supplies required!

1. “I Am” Affirmation Cards

Have each girl create a set of personal affirmation cards using index cards, markers, and stickers. Start with a brainstorm of positive “I am” statements like:

• I am enough

• I am creative

• I am a good friend

• I am brave even when I’m scared

Encourage girls to decorate each card and keep them in their backpack or journal for a daily confidence boost.

💡 Pro tip: Have girls exchange one card with a friend and write an affirmation for each other—it's a powerful way to build both self-esteem and connection.

2. The Self-Esteem Shield

Give each girl a blank “shield” template divided into four sections. In each part, they’ll fill in:

• A strength they’re proud of

• A challenge they’ve overcome

• A value they live by

• A dream for their future

This activity helps girls see the full picture of who they are—resilient, unique, and full of potential.

🎨 Let them color, decorate, and share if they feel comfortable. Hang them up for a gallery wall of strength!

3. Compliment Constellations

Each girl gets a star-shaped paper taped to her back. Then, the group quietly walks around writing anonymous compliments on each other’s stars.

Examples:
✨ You’re always kind to everyone.
✨ I love how you include others.
✨ You’re a great listener.

At the end, they remove their stars and read the compliments. It’s always a tear-jerker moment—and a huge self-esteem lift.

🌟 Real talk: Girls often don’t realize how much others admire them until they see it in writing.

4. My Inner Cheerleader

Ask girls to reflect on the voice inside their head—Is it kind? Critical? Quiet? Then guide them to “rewrite” that inner voice as a cheerleader. What would that version say?

Examples:

• You’ve got this. Keep going.

• One mistake doesn’t define you.

• You’re doing better than you think.

Let them write a “cheer” or mantra they can repeat when they’re feeling low. This builds emotional resilience and positive self-talk.

📣 Bonus: Have them perform their cheer in a silly, fun voice—it lightens the mood and helps it stick!

5. Self-Esteem Celebration Circle

End your group with a circle celebration. Each girl shares:

• One thing she’s proud of about herself

• One kind word for someone in the group

This closes your session on a high note of self-worth and sisterhood.

💖 Tip: Use a talking piece (like a sparkly rock or plush heart) to make the moment feel extra special.

🌟 Want More Ready-to-Use Activities?

Download our Shine From Within Workshop Kit—a beautifully designed, confidence-building resource filled with empowering activities, reflection prompts, and printable tools. Perfect for group leaders, mentors, and educators who want to lead with love and help girls build strong self-esteem from the inside out.

👉 Get your Shine From Within Kit here and let the self-love begin!

And tell me—which activity are you excited to try first? I’d love to hear how it goes in your group!

You’ve got this 💛 and so do the girls you're cheering on.