Reflecting on Strength: Creating a Mirror to Build Confidence in Children Who Have Experienced Trauma
This one is super helpful if you are working with kids who need an occasional confidence boost!
I've seen firsthand how art and creative expression can be a powerful tool in helping children navigate the complexities of trauma. One of the most impactful ways to support these young individuals is through activities that foster confidence and self-esteem. Children who have experienced trauma often struggle with feelings of worthlessness, anxiety, or distrust. Building confidence is essential for these children, as it helps them regain a sense of control and self-worth!
Confidence-building activities encourage children to take risks, make choices, and explore their feelings through art, which can help them regain trust in themselves and others. As their confidence grows, so does their ability to navigate social and developmental challenges, improving resilience and emotional regulation over time — which can significantly improve their emotional and developmental outcomes as adults!
Today, I want to share a special art project—a mirror with a frame that reminds children of the things they love about themselves. This simple yet profound activity not only enhances their self-image but also contributes to their overall emotional well-being and developmental progress. Art activities that celebrate their unique qualities and interests can offer a safe space for self-expression and reflection. By focusing on their strengths and positive attributes, we can help them rebuild their self-esteem and resilience!
This project was a little painful, but also helpful because while we were working on our mirrors, one of my sweet kids came up and told me that he didn’t have anything he liked about himself. We used this as an opportunity for his friends to chime in with all the things that were great about him, but it also showed me that he is a child that I need to spend extra time making bids to connect with!
Steps:
Introduction and Discussion: Begin by talking with the child about the project. Explain that the mirror will not only help them see their reflection but also reflect their inner strengths and qualities. Discuss some positive traits or interests they have, and encourage them to think about what they love about themselves.
Choosing Colors For the Frame: Provide the child with various some popsicled sticks (can be wood colored, then they can decorate them - or they can be pre-colored popsicle sticks!) and invite them to create a frame for the mirror using four of them. They can choose “happy” colors, their favorite colors, or colors associated with a happy memory! You can also let them use beads/fabric/paper to decorate around their popsicle sticks!
Affirmation and Reflection: Once they have picked out their sticks, you can help them to add positive affirmations around the mirror or have the child write their own. These affirmations might include phrases like "I am kind," "I am a good friend," or "I am creative." Encourage the child to reflect on these affirmations as they work on their project. I like to avoid ones that are based solely on physical attributes “I am so pretty!” etc.
Completion and Sharing: Once the mirror is finished, invite the child to share their creation(can be with the group or with just you!). Ask them how it makes them feel and what they see in their reflection. Emphasize the positive aspects they've highlighted in their frame and how these qualities make them unique and special.
Materials Needed:
A small mirror (plastic or glass)
Popsicle Sticks
Markers, crayons, or paint
Glue and scissors
Decorative elements (stickers, beads, fabric scraps, paper)
Positive affirmation prompts (optional)
The Impact on Development and Healing
Creating a mirror with a self-affirming frame can have several positive effects on a child's development and healing process:
Boosts Self-Esteem: By focusing on their strengths and positive attributes, children can begin to shift their self-perception. This boost in self-esteem can lead to improved emotional resilience and a more positive outlook on life. This can be particularly helpful when a child is struggling with being labled by others (and then eventually themselves) as being a “bad kid.”
Encourages Self-Expression: Art provides a safe outlet for children to express their feelings and experiences. This project allows them to communicate their self-view creatively, which can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle with verbal expression. Talking about what colors they associate with happy/warm/exciting colors can be a fun way to gage how your kiddo views themselves and their world!
Fosters a Sense of Achievement: Completing a personalized mirror frame gives children a tangible representation of their qualities and accomplishments. This sense of achievement can enhance their confidence and motivation! It’s always nice to have something that you can look at and think "I made this!”
Strengthens Emotional Connections: Working on the project together can strengthen the bond between the child and the caregiver, teacher, or therapist. This connection is crucial for building trust and providing emotional support! When a child is struggling to think of things that they like about themselves, it gives you an opportunity to point out things that YOU like about that child, or what you see as one of their strengths!
Incorporating activities like the mirror project into your therapeutic or educational practices can be a meaningful way to support children who have experienced trauma. By celebrating their unique qualities and fostering self-confidence, we can help them build a stronger foundation for emotional healing and personal growth.
If you try this project, I’d love to hear how it went! Please feel free to email me, or contact me through Facebook or Instagram!
