Self-confidence songs and stories for kids
Quick answer
Songs and picture books about liking yourself and trying hard things: Daniel Tiger's "Do It Your Own Way", Sesame Street's "I Love My Hair" and "We Can Do Hard Things", Jack Hartmann's "I Am Somebody!" and Storyline Online read-alouds like "A Bad Case of Stripes". Use Repeat one for a pep-talk song. The last video is for parents.
Videos in this playlist
- 1
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood | "Do It Your Own Way" Song | PBS KIDSPBS KIDSPlay from here Loop - 2
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood | O Skates His Own Way | PBS KIDSPBS KIDSPlay from here Loop - 3
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood | Try it a Little at a Time Song | PBS KIDSPBS KIDSPlay from here Loop - 4
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood | It Can Be Hard to Try Something New! | PBS KIDSPBS KIDSPlay from here Loop - 5
Daniel Striped Tiger Wonders If He’s a Mistake | Mister Rogers’ NeighborhoodMister Rogers’ NeighborhoodPlay from here Loop - 6
Sesame Street: Song -- I Love My HairSesame StreetPlay from here Loop - 7
I Love My Hair feat. H.E.R. | The Not-Too-Late-Show with ElmoSesame StreetPlay from here Loop - 8
We Can Do Hard Things | A Song About Trying and Persevering | Emotional Well-beingSesame WorkshopPlay from here Loop - 9
Elmo Learns How to Build Resilient | Social Emotional SkillsSesame WorkshopPlay from here Loop - 10
Elmo & Rosita Are Good Friends to Themselves! | Emotional Well-BeingSesame WorkshopPlay from here Loop - 11
Mindful Monsters: Self-Love Mantras with Grover | Social Emotional SkillsSesame WorkshopPlay from here Loop - 12
I Am Somebody! | Jack HartmannJack Hartmann Kids Music ChannelPlay from here Loop - 13
Positive Power! | Jack HartmannJack Hartmann Kids Music ChannelPlay from here Loop - 14
Be the Best You Can Be! | Motivational Song for Kids | Jack HartmannJack Hartmann Kids Music ChannelPlay from here Loop - 15
Go For It! | Inspirational Song for Kids | Jack HartmannJack Hartmann Kids Music ChannelPlay from here Loop - 16
You Go! | Jack Hartmann | Motivation Song for KidsJack Hartmann Kids Music ChannelPlay from here Loop - 17
Chin Up - Learn to Stay Positive | Meditations for Kids | GoNoodleGoNoodle | Get MovingPlay from here Loop - 18
'A Bad Case of Stripes' read by Sean AstinStorylineOnlinePlay from here Loop - 19
'The Most Magnificent Thing' read by Olivia MunnStorylineOnlinePlay from here Loop - 20
'Calvin Can't Fly' read by Jonathan PryceStorylineOnlinePlay from here Loop - 21
'Ricky, the Rock That Couldn't Roll' read by Marissa BodeStorylineOnlinePlay from here Loop - 22
'No Mirrors in My Nana's House' read by Tia & Tamera MowryStorylineOnlinePlay from here Loop - 23
'Remember to Dream, Ebere' read by Cynthia ErivoStorylineOnlinePlay from here Loop - 24
'Henry Holton Takes the Ice' read by Ray RomanoStorylineOnlinePlay from here Loop - 25
'Rosie Revere, Engineer' read by Lea MicheleStorylineOnlinePlay from here Loop - 26
'Abdul's Story' read by Tramell TillmanStorylineOnlinePlay from here Loop - 27
'The King of Kindergarten' read by Terry CrewsStorylineOnlinePlay from here Loop - 28
The Day You Begin - Read Aloud Picture Book | Brightly StorytimeBrightly StorytimePlay from here Loop - 29
Patience, Perseverance, and Mindfulness | What's a Duck to Do? | Circle Time with Khan Academy KidsKhan Academy KidsPlay from here Loop - 30
How do I help my child build healthy self-esteem? I Child Mind InstituteChild Mind InstitutePlay from here Loop
How do songs and stories build a child's confidence?
They give children simple words to say to themselves, like "I can try a little at a time", and show characters who feel unsure, keep going and are liked just as they are. A favorite story can be revisited before a test or a new activity.
How can RepeatWatch help a child learn a confidence song?
Choose Repeat one on a song like "I Am Somebody!" and slow it to 0.75× so new readers can follow the captions. Drag A and B around the chorus to practice it as a morning mantra, then set Stop after to end it after a few loops.
Frequently asked questions
Which video is for parents?
The last video, from the Child Mind Institute, explains how parents can help a child build healthy self-esteem. Everything else is for children in grades 1–2 (ages 6–8) and younger siblings.
What if my child often says they are bad at everything?
Everyone has down days, and praise for effort rather than results tends to help. If negative talk about themselves is frequent or lasting, talk with your child's teacher, doctor or school counselor.