No one is perfect. So you do not have to be perfect to feel good about yourself. A mistake is part of trying. You can try again and keep getting better.

Kids who feel good about themselves have the confidence to try new things. Learning new things can build that confidence. Reading and riding a bike are two. Trying helps you learn, get better at things, and succeed.

Say that you cannot do something YET. The word reminds you that you can keep improving if you keep trying. Kids feel good when people notice how hard they tried and how much they have improved, not only whether they won.

Treat yourself the way you would treat a friend who is struggling. That is called self-compassion.

Being kind and helping other people can make you feel good. A kind act can be small. You can share your lunch or give a hug. A favor for a sibling or a classmate is a way to feel good about what you do.

Kids aged 6 to 12 need about 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night, as of November 2026. Sleep helps kids feel and behave better the next day. Moving, like walking or running, can help lift your mood.

Good friends treat you well. Good friendships can help you feel you belong. Feeling good starts when you feel safe, loved and cared for by grown-ups. A grown-up you trust can help.

Words to know

• confidence: trust in yourself
• sibling: brother, sister
• succeed: do well