12 Best Self Esteem Handouts for Children & Teens in 2025

12 Best Self Esteem Handouts for Children & Teens in 2025

Building self-esteem in children and teenagers has never been more vital. With rising concerns about youth mental health in the UK and the undeniable influence of social media, providing young people with the tools to develop a strong sense of self-worth is a crucial preventative measure. Statistics from the NHS show that one in five children and young people in England aged 8 to 25 had a probable mental disorder in 2023. Addressing this early is paramount, as a stable and supportive home environment significantly contributes to a child's sense of security. Exploring resources on effective co-parenting strategies can provide parents with essential tools to foster such an environment, complementing the work done on self-esteem.

This guide is designed to help parents, educators, and carers navigate this challenge by providing practical, accessible resources. We have compiled a comprehensive list of the best self esteem handouts available online, from platforms like Psychology Tools and YoungMinds to creative marketplaces like Etsy. Each entry provides a clear description, direct download links, and practical tips on how best to use them with the young people in your life. Our goal is to save you time and effort by presenting a curated selection of high-quality, impactful worksheets and activities. This will enable you to focus on what truly matters: starting meaningful conversations and nurturing a resilient, confident next generation.

A quick but important disclaimer: Please remember, I am not a mental health professional. The resources and tips discussed in this article are intended for informational purposes only. If you have significant concerns about your own or a child's mental health, it is essential to consult a GP or a qualified mental health practitioner for professional advice and support.

1. That’s Alright Emotions, Feelings and Mental Health Digital Book and Audio Book for Adult, Teenager and Youth Emotional Support.

As our featured choice, the That's Alright digital package from Little Fish Books offers a uniquely robust and versatile approach to emotional education for teenagers and adults. It moves beyond simple, single-use self esteem handouts by providing a comprehensive, foundational resource designed to build emotional literacy from the ground up. This digital book and companion audiobook combination is an indispensable tool for parents, educators, and mental health practitioners seeking to open meaningful conversations about feelings and mental well-being.

That’s Alright Emotions, Feelings and Mental Health Digital Book and Audio Book for Adult, Teenager and Youth Emotional Support.

The package directly addresses the core components of healthy self-esteem: understanding emotions, normalising difficult feelings, and fostering self-compassion. Its dual-format delivery is a significant strength, catering to auditory learners with the audiobook and visual learners with the PDF. This flexibility makes it highly practical for diverse settings, from one-to-one therapy sessions to classroom discussions or family conversations at home. There are also accompanying mental health apparel and books available, which can act as gentle reminders of the positive messages learned.

Practical Application and Use Cases

The instant-download format ensures you can implement its lessons immediately. For example, a school counsellor could use specific chapters to guide a group session on anxiety, while a parent could use the audiobook during a car ride to gently introduce topics like sadness or anger. The content is crafted to reduce stigma, making it an excellent catalyst for creating a safe environment where young people feel comfortable sharing their experiences. It pairs seamlessly with Little Fish Books’ wider ecosystem of colouring sheets and activities, allowing for creative, hands-on reinforcement of the core concepts.

Key Features and Considerations

Feature Analysis
Dual Format The PDF book and audiobook bundle increases accessibility for different learning styles and abilities.
Target Audience Specifically designed for teenagers and adults, using language that resonates with this demographic.
Instant Access As a digital download, the resource is available immediately after purchase for use in any setting.
Broader Ecosystem Integrates with other Little Fish Books resources like worksheets and merchandise for extended learning.

Pros:

  • Directly targets mental health stigma and emotional literacy.
  • The dual-format (PDF and audio) is excellent for accessibility.
  • Instantly downloadable and ready for immediate implementation.

Cons:

  • Not designed for use with very young children.
  • The static formats lack the interactive elements of an app or online course.

Availability: Available for instant download.

Price: £10.00

Get This Resource

2. Psychology Tools

Psychology Tools is a professional-grade digital library tailored for clinicians, therapists, and mental health practitioners who require evidence-based resources. It stands out by offering high-quality, clinically mapped self esteem handouts that are directly aligned with established therapeutic models, such as Fennell's cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) model for low self-esteem. This clinical rigour makes it an invaluable asset for professionals looking to support young people with structured, research-backed interventions.

Psychology Tools

Unlike free resource sites, Psychology Tools provides a premium, curated experience. Worksheets like the "Positive Qualities Record" or "Low Self‑Esteem – Self‑Monitoring Record" come in multiple formats, including fillable PDFs and editable Word documents, allowing for easy customisation. A key feature for practitioners is the secure client-sharing function, which lets you email handouts directly to clients from the platform, ensuring confidentiality and a professional workflow.

Key Features and Access

Access to the full library is subscription-based, with annual billing. While this represents an investment, the quality and utility of the resources often justify the cost for professionals. The UK-based company ensures all content is meticulously designed and provides guidance on its application, making it a reliable choice for delivering effective therapeutic support.

  • Best For: Clinicians, therapists, and school counsellors.
  • Pricing: Annual subscription required for full access.
  • Unique Feature: Secure, built-in client sharing and resources mapped to clinical models.
  • Website: https://www.psychologytools.com

3. Therapist Aid

Therapist Aid offers a comprehensive and accessible catalogue of self-esteem worksheets, articles, and interactive tools suitable for a wide range of ages. It is an excellent resource for parents, educators, and professionals due to its mix of high-quality free downloads and premium member-only content. The platform provides ready-to-use printable sheets that are cleanly designed for immediate practical application in sessions or at home.

Therapist Aid

Unlike purely clinical sites, Therapist Aid balances professional utility with user-friendliness, making it easy to find relevant self esteem handouts through its dedicated topic hub. Its strength lies in providing a generous amount of genuinely free content, allowing users to trial the quality of resources before considering a membership. For Pro members, access is expanded to include fillable and customisable PDFs, which are invaluable for telehealth appointments and creating personalised support plans for young people.

Key Features and Access

A significant portion of the library is free, but full access to all resources, including customisable formats, requires a Pro membership. While pricing details require navigating to the "Choose Plan" section, the value offered by the free resources is substantial. The inclusion of interactive online tools alongside traditional printables provides varied and engaging ways to explore self-esteem concepts, which is particularly useful for keeping younger people invested in the process.

  • Best For: Parents, educators, and therapists seeking a mix of free and premium resources.
  • Pricing: A large selection is free; a Pro membership is required for full access.
  • Unique Feature: A blend of free printable worksheets and engaging online interactive tools.
  • Website: https://www.therapistaid.com/tools/self-esteem

4. Twinkl

Twinkl is a vast UK-focused educational platform primarily designed for teachers, teaching assistants, and school-based practitioners. It excels at providing printable self esteem handouts that are directly aligned with the UK curriculum, particularly for Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education and for Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs). This educational alignment makes it an outstanding resource for integrating self-esteem activities seamlessly into classroom settings and structured support sessions.

Unlike platforms geared towards clinical therapy, Twinkl’s resources, like its popular "Self‑Esteem Boosters Worksheet", are classroom-ready PDFs that often include teacher notes and learning objectives. The materials are specifically designed with age-appropriate language and visuals for primary school children. While its huge library offers excellent resources, it's important to remember that these tools are intended to support wellbeing within an educational framework, not as a replacement for clinical intervention. If you are seriously worried about a child's mental health, seeking advice from a GP is crucial.

Key Features and Access

Access to Twinkl's premium resources requires a subscription, although a 30-day free trial is often available to explore its offerings. The platform is organised by key stage and subject, making it incredibly easy for educators to find relevant, high-quality materials. Learn more about how to use these worksheets for self-esteem in different settings. Its focus on ready-to-print packs makes it highly practical for busy school environments.

  • Best For: Teachers, Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSAs), and school counsellors.
  • Pricing: Subscription-based, with various tiers available after a frequent free trial period.
  • Unique Feature: UK curriculum alignment with classroom-ready PSHE and ELSA resource packs.
  • Website: https://www.twinkl.co.uk

5. Tes

Tes is a vast online marketplace where teachers create and share educational materials, making it a goldmine for classroom-ready resources. It excels by offering a huge variety of self esteem handouts and full lesson packs specifically designed for UK PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) education curricula for Key Stages 3 and 4. This educational focus ensures that the materials are age-appropriate and structured to facilitate group learning and discussion, which is ideal for educators.

Tes

Unlike clinically focused platforms, Tes provides instantly downloadable resources, often including editable PowerPoint slides and printable worksheets, which can be purchased individually. This à la carte model is perfect for sourcing specific activities without a subscription. The peer-review and rating system allows users to gauge the quality of a resource before buying. For example, a teacher could use a 'Positive Affirmation' worksheet from Tes as a starter activity before a lesson on resilience.

Key Features and Access

Resources on Tes are priced individually by their creators, offering a granular and often very affordable way to build a collection of materials. The sheer volume means quality can vary, so it is wise to read reviews and use the preview function. Many resources are explicitly mapped to UK Department for Education (DfE) and PSHE Association guidance, providing confidence in their educational value.

6. Mentally Healthy Schools

Mentally Healthy Schools is a free, quality-assured digital hub providing mental health resources specifically for UK primary schools. Run by a partnership of leading children's mental health charities, it offers evidence-informed activities and printable self esteem handouts designed to integrate directly into the school day. The platform excels at translating mental health concepts into practical, age-appropriate exercises that align with national curricula, making it an indispensable tool for educators.

Mentally Healthy Schools

Unlike generic resource sites, every worksheet, such as "Celebrate Being You" or "How Many Positives," is accompanied by detailed teacher notes, learning objectives, and curriculum links. This school-centric framework ensures that the activities are not just enjoyable but also purposeful, contributing to a whole-school approach to wellbeing. For instance, a teacher could use the "Celebrate Being You" handout during a circle time activity to encourage pupils to share something they are proud of. These resources are ready-to-print PDFs, making them easily accessible for immediate classroom use.

Key Features and Access

All resources on the platform are completely free to access and download, upheld by its charity-backed mission. While the educational framing is a significant strength, practitioners in clinical settings may need to adapt the language and context for one-to-one therapy. The focus is on prevention and universal support, providing foundational tools to build resilience and positive self-perception in children.

7. NHS inform (Scotland)

NHS inform, the official health information service for Scotland, provides a comprehensive self-help guide focused on self-esteem. Rather than offering a collection of disparate worksheets, it presents a structured, evidence-based programme that users can work through independently. This makes it an excellent source for reliable self esteem handouts grounded in established psychological principles, presented in a clear, non-clinical format suitable for older teens and adults seeking practical guidance.

NHS inform (Scotland)

The guide is presented as a single, in-depth resource broken into manageable sections with embedded exercises, such as identifying unhelpful rules or creating a positive qualities diary. Users can print the entire guide or save it as a fillable PDF to complete the exercises digitally. The straightforward, ad-free user experience ensures that the focus remains on the content, which is a significant advantage over many commercial websites. Its authority as an official NHS resource provides a level of trust and quality assurance that is often hard to find in freely available materials online.

Key Features and Access

This guide is entirely free to access, with no login or subscription required. While its design is more functional than visually elaborate, its strength lies in the structured, step-by-step approach that guides users through understanding and improving their self-esteem. The focus is on self-led learning and application, making it a valuable tool for individuals or as a supplementary resource recommended by a professional.

8. YoungMinds

YoungMinds, a leading UK-based charity, champions the mental health of children and young people by offering a fantastic suite of free resources. Their approach is less clinical and more focused on practical, strengths-based activities, making their self esteem handouts perfect for use in schools, youth clubs, and informal support settings. The resources are designed to be engaging and accessible, helping to build resilience and foster positive self-talk in a way that feels natural and supportive for young people.

YoungMinds

What sets YoungMinds apart is the clarity and practicality of their materials. Worksheets like the ‘Star qualities’ activity come with clear facilitation notes, guiding adults on how to run the session effectively in either a small group or one-to-one. This built-in support empowers teachers and youth workers, who may not be mental health specialists, to deliver impactful activities confidently. The handouts are available as simple PDF downloads, ensuring easy access for anyone looking to make a positive difference.

Key Features and Access

All resources from YoungMinds are completely free to download and use, reflecting their charitable mission to make mental health support universally accessible. While the library is curated and not as extensive as subscription-based platforms, the quality and youth-friendly focus make it an invaluable starting point. The content is tailored to the UK context, making it particularly relevant for British educators and support staff.

9. PositivePsychology.com

PositivePsychology.com is a vast resource hub grounded in the principles of positive psychology, making it an excellent source for strengths-based self esteem handouts. It offers a blend of in-depth articles that often include free, downloadable exercises, and a premium "Practitioner Toolkit" with over 400 professionally designed tools. This dual approach caters to both casual readers seeking immediate resources and professionals, like coaches or therapists, who need structured, evidence-informed interventions.

PositivePsychology.com

The platform stands out by focusing on building up positive traits rather than solely addressing deficits. Worksheets often centre on identifying personal strengths, practising gratitude, and cultivating a positive self-view, which is a powerful way to build lasting self-worth in young people. For example, the "Strengths Spotting" exercise encourages a young person to identify and record moments when they used one of their core strengths during the day, reinforcing a positive self-concept.

Key Features and Access

Access to the premium toolkit requires a subscription, but many individual self esteem handouts and activity ideas are available for free within their blog posts. The site's strength-focused philosophy provides a refreshing and effective alternative to more traditional deficit-focused models, making it a valuable bookmark for anyone supporting a child’s emotional development.

  • Best For: Coaches, educators, and therapists seeking strengths-based interventions.
  • Pricing: Free articles with sample worksheets; full toolkit requires a subscription.
  • Unique Feature: Focus on positive psychology principles and a massive library of 400+ premium tools.
  • Website: https://positivepsychology.com/self-esteem-worksheets/

10. Get Self Help

Get Self Help is a long-standing and respected UK-based resource hub that provides a wealth of free Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) tools. It is particularly valuable for its direct, practical approach to challenging negative thought patterns, which are often at the core of low self-esteem. The site offers an extensive collection of printable leaflets and worksheets, like the "THINK!" self-talk guide or the "Mind Bully" exercise, that are designed to be easily understood and implemented by individuals seeking self-help.

Get Self Help

While the website's design is dated, its content is high-quality and clinician-tested, making it a reliable source for effective self esteem handouts. The resources are presented in a straightforward, plain-English format, making complex CBT concepts accessible. Although the free PDFs are not customisable, their no-nonsense layout is perfect for quick printing and use in a therapeutic or home setting. For those wanting more, the site also offers optional paid downloadable packs and printable card sets for purchase.

Key Features and Access

The vast majority of resources on Get Self Help are completely free and available for instant download directly from the website's alphabetised list. This accessibility makes it an excellent first stop for parents, educators, and therapists looking for solid, evidence-informed materials without the barrier of a subscription fee. The UK English and practical focus make the handouts highly relevant and applicable.

11. Etsy (UK marketplace)

Etsy is a global marketplace connecting buyers with independent creators, and it has become a surprisingly rich source for creative and visually engaging self esteem handouts. It stands out for its sheer variety, offering everything from printable workbooks tailored for teens to affirmation cards for younger children. Unlike clinical libraries, Etsy provides resources with diverse aesthetic styles, making it easier to find materials that will resonate with a specific young person's interests and visual preferences.

The platform is ideal for parents, educators, and youth workers seeking affordable, ready-to-use printables. Star ratings and customer reviews offer a peer-vetted system to gauge quality before purchasing. While these resources are often not clinically validated like those from specialised psychological toolkits, their accessibility and design-led approach can make them highly effective for casual use. For professionals inspired by the creativity here, learning how to create digital products can open a new avenue for sharing their own expertise.

Key Features and Access

Etsy operates on a per-item purchase model, where you pay a small fee for an instant digital download. There are no subscriptions, and access is immediate after payment. The key is to carefully read the product descriptions and seller reviews to ensure the material is a good fit. Licensing terms can vary, so check if multi-user or clinical use is permitted before buying for a group or practice.

  • Best For: Parents, educators, and anyone needing visually appealing, low-cost printables.
  • Pricing: Pay-per-item, with prices typically ranging from £1 to £15 per digital download.
  • Unique Feature: Huge variety of artistic styles and instant access to niche, creator-made materials.
  • Website: https://www.etsy.co.uk

12. Oak National Academy

Oak National Academy is a UK-government-backed online classroom, offering free, high-quality curriculum resources designed by teachers for teachers. It provides a complete Key Stage 2 PSHE lesson package focused on self-esteem, which includes video content, presentation slides, and a printable worksheet. This makes it an excellent, curriculum-aligned resource for primary school educators looking for structured, ready-to-use self esteem handouts for whole-class teaching or small-group interventions.

Oak National Academy

Unlike resources designed for clinical settings, Oak National Academy’s materials are specifically built for the classroom environment, with clear learning objectives and activities that resonate with younger children. The lesson, titled "Our emotions toolkit: self-esteem," is designed to be accessible and engaging. However, it is important to note that this specific unit has been flagged for migration or removal, so it is highly recommended to download and save a local copy of the materials to ensure future access.

Key Features and Access

Access is completely free with no sign-in required, making it incredibly straightforward for educators and parents to find and use the materials immediately. While its primary focus is on KS2 and not suitable for therapeutic work, its quality and classroom-tested design provide a solid foundation for introducing self-esteem concepts in an educational setting, helping children build emotional resilience from a young age.

Self-Esteem Handouts: 12-Resource Comparison

Resource Core formats & features Best for 👥 UX / Quality ★ Price / Value 💰 Unique selling point ✨ / 🏆
That’s Alright (Little Fish) Downloadable PDF + audiobook; instant use 👥 Parents, teachers, clinicians (teens & adults) ★★★★☆ 💰 One‑off / instant access ✨ Audio + PDF accessibility; integrates with Little Fish resources 🏆
Psychology Tools 500+ evidence‑mapped handouts; fillable & secure sharing 👥 Clinicians & therapists ★★★★★ 💰 Subscription (annual) 🏆 Clinician‑focused, evidence‑mapped library ✨ Secure client sharing
Therapist Aid Large worksheet hub; free + Pro fillable PDFs; telehealth formats 👥 Therapists, counsellors, educators ★★★★☆ 💰 Free tier + Pro membership ✨ Generous free content; telehealth‑friendly
Twinkl Curriculum‑aligned PSHE/ELSA packs with teacher notes 👥 Primary teachers, ELSA coordinators ★★★★☆ 💰 Subscription after trial 🏆 UK curriculum alignment; classroom‑ready packs ✨ Teacher notes
Tes Teacher-created editable downloads (slides, handouts) 👥 Teachers seeking varied lesson packs ★★★☆☆ 💰 Pay‑per‑resource (variable) ✨ Wide marketplace choice; seller reviews
Mentally Healthy Schools Curated, evidence‑informed printable activities with notes 👥 Schools & PSHE leads ★★★★☆ 💰 Free 🏆 Charity‑backed, quality‑assured resources ✨ Clear curriculum links
NHS inform (Scotland) Structured self‑help guide with printable/editable worksheets 👥 Teens & adults (self-help) ★★★★☆ 💰 Free 🏆 Official NHS guidance; ad‑free, evidence‑based ✨ Clear, practical steps
YoungMinds Youth‑friendly activities & printables with facilitation notes 👥 Youth workers, schools, small groups ★★★★☆ 💰 Free 🏆 Youth‑tailored charity resources ✨ Staff facilitation guidance
PositivePsychology.com Articles + Premium Practitioner Toolkit (400+ tools) 👥 Coaches, therapists, educators ★★★★☆ 💰 Premium toolkit subscription ✨ Strengths‑based toolkit (400+) 🏆 Broad practical interventions
Get Self Help CBT leaflets & worksheets (alphabetised); paid packs available 👥 Clinicians & self‑help users ★★★★☆ 💰 Free + optional paid packs ✨ UK CBT clinician‑tested sheets 🏆 Practical CBT focus
Etsy (UK) Instant‑download printables from independent creators 👥 Parents, teachers wanting niche visuals ★★★☆☆ 💰 Low‑cost per item ✨ Vast visual/styles choice; fast delivery
Oak National Academy KS2 PSHE lesson: slides, video & worksheet (classroom‑tested) 👥 Primary teachers (KS2) ★★★★☆ 💰 Free 🏆 Classroom‑tested lessons ✨ Includes slides + video

Putting These Resources into Practice: Final Thoughts and Next Steps

We have navigated a comprehensive landscape of resources, from the structured psychological tools offered by Therapist Aid to the curriculum-aligned materials from Twinkl. The journey highlights a crucial truth: a single worksheet is not a magic solution, but a catalyst for conversation and a tool for building resilient self-perception over time. The real value of these self esteem handouts is realised in how they are integrated into a child's life. Addressing mental health is vital not just for individual wellbeing, but also for society and the economy; poor mental health costs UK businesses up to £56 billion a year.

Key Takeaways for Effective Implementation

The most impactful resources are those chosen with care and introduced with empathy. Remember that a child struggling with low self-worth may initially resist activities that ask them to focus on positive traits. It is therefore vital to create a supportive, low-pressure environment. For example, instead of presenting a "Strengths Exploration" worksheet as a test, frame it as a shared family activity where everyone, including the adults, participates and models vulnerability.

Consider the specific needs of the individual. A teenager might engage more with a colourful, modern design from Etsy, while a younger child may benefit from the simple, clear activities provided by Mentally Healthy Schools. The key is to match the tool not just to the age group, but also to their current emotional state and interests.

Beyond the Handout: Creating a Supportive Ecosystem

These worksheets are one component of a much larger support system. To truly foster robust self-esteem, it's beneficial to weave positive mental health practices into daily routines. This could include:

  • Practising Relaxation: Introduce simple techniques like the 'box breathing' method (inhaling for four counts, holding for four, exhaling for four, and holding for four) or progressive muscle relaxation to manage moments of anxiety.
  • Curating Media: Be mindful of the impact of social media, which often fuels negative social comparison and unrealistic expectations. Encourage engagement with content that is uplifting and realistic, and have open conversations about online pressures.
  • Integrating Literature: Exploring age-appropriate mental health books can normalise complex feelings and provide characters that children can relate to. Books such as The Huge Bag of Worries by Virginia Ironside or The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy offer gentle ways to start conversations.

It is crucial to approach this journey with patience and understanding. Building self-esteem is not a linear process; there will be good days and challenging ones. The goal is to provide consistent, compassionate support and a toolbox of resources they can turn to when needed.

A quick but important disclaimer: Please remember, I am not a mental health professional. The resources, tips, and self esteem handouts discussed in this article are intended for informational purposes. If you have significant concerns about a child's mental health or well-being, it is essential to consult a GP or a qualified mental health practitioner for professional advice and support. Your proactive care is their greatest asset.

For a resource that combines the accessibility of a handout with the immersive depth of storytelling, explore the award-winning digital book and audiobook from Little Fish Books. Their work provides a gentle, narrative-driven approach to understanding emotions, making it a perfect companion to the practical worksheets discussed here. Discover more at Little Fish Books.

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