Positive Self Talk Activities That Actually Work for Tweens & Teens

Because how girls talk to themselves matters more than how the world talks about them.

Let’s talk about that voice inside every girl’s head—the one that whispers doubts, plays the comparison game, or tells her she’s not enough. The truth? That voice can be transformed. With the right tools and support, girls can learn to shift negative self-talk into kind, empowering, and fearless inner dialogue.

Positive self talk is more than just feel-good words. It’s a skill that builds emotional resilience, self esteem, and confidence—especially during the rollercoaster years of tween and teen life. These activities are designed to help girls notice their inner voice, challenge the harsh stuff, and replace it with words that lift them up.

Whether you’re leading a group, teaching SEL, or supporting your daughter at home, these ideas are easy to use, high-impact, and heart-centered.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Positive self talk helps girls challenge negative thinking and build self worth

• These activities teach emotional awareness, mindset shifts, and daily confidence boosters

• Self talk is a lifelong skill—and it’s never too early (or too late) to start practicing

• Simple, creative tools help girls internalize kind, encouraging messages about who they are

1. “Catch the Critic” Thought Tracker

Have girls keep a mini journal for a day and write down any negative thoughts they catch themselves thinking. Then, work together to rewrite each one into something more compassionate.
Example:
❌ “I’m so bad at this.”
✅ “I’m learning and getting better every time.”

2. Self Talk Switch Cards

Create a two-sided card. On one side: common negative phrases girls might say to themselves. On the other: powerful, positive alternatives.
Let them personalize the cards with color, stickers, or washi tape—it helps the affirmations stick (literally and emotionally!).

3. The “Best Friend” Test

Ask: “Would you say that to your best friend?” If the answer is no, it doesn’t belong in your self talk either.
Practice rewriting harsh self-talk as if they were speaking to someone they love.

4. Affirmation Mirror Challenge

Give girls 3 affirmations to say to their reflection each morning. Some favorites:

• “I am enough.”

• “I can do hard things.”

• “My voice matters.”
  Encourage them to look themselves in the eye while saying it—it’s powerful.

5. My Inner Cheerleader Craft

Have girls draw or design a character who lives in their mind and cheers them on. What does she look like? What would she say? Give her a name! (Bonus points for glitter.)

6. Create an Affirmation Station

Designate a spot in the classroom, group room, or home where girls can grab a daily affirmation. Use sticky notes, a bulletin board, or even a jar filled with folded cards.

7. Flip the Script Roleplay

Practice in pairs: one girl says a common self-doubt (“I’ll mess up,” “I’m not smart enough”) and her partner flips it with a positive truth. Then switch. It’s a playful way to build the habit of reframing.

8. Power Word Posters

Have girls choose a word they want to embody—like brave, kind, strong, or joyful. They decorate a poster around it with images, quotes, and affirmations that reflect that word in their life.

9. “I Am” Affirmation Writing

Start 5–10 sentences with “I am…” and let the girls fill in the rest with truths about their personality, strengths, and identity.
Example:
“I am creative.”
“I am a good friend.”
“I am learning to trust myself.”

10. Self Talk Journal Prompts

Use guided journaling to explore the inner voice:

• What’s something I said to myself today?

• Was it helpful or hurtful?

• What’s one thing I wish I believed about myself?

• What would I say to someone else feeling this way?

Want More Confidence-Building Tools?

The Confidence & Self Esteem Coaching Kit includes a full week focused on helping girls identify negative self-talk, reframe limiting beliefs, and speak to themselves with compassion and courage. With done-for-you lesson plans, journaling prompts, affirmations, and creative exercises, you’ll be equipped to lead meaningful conversations that truly shift how girls see themselves.

Helping girls become their own biggest cheerleader starts with small, consistent practices—and these activities are a beautiful place to begin. Keep leading with love, and know this: the work you’re doing matters more than you know.

With love,
Kate