39 Ideas And Activities To Empower Kids

Empowering our children is one of the most important roles parents have. In raising my two daughters, I am determined to do my best to instill a sense of self-worth and empowerment in them. I want them to be strong, brave and fierce. My hope is to raise my “wildflower” daughters with enough self-confidence and grace to overcome every obstacle life throws their way. I believe this is the hope so many parents have. The beauty is, it does not take much to raise strong little ones. Providing love, support and consistency is what makes the biggest impact. Children love any time that they get with their parents, even just spending one on one time running errands! However, I find it helpful to have a few creative ideas to ensure they feel seen, heard and adored. Compiled by talking with the many teachers, doctors and amazing parents in my life, here are my 39 favorite ideas and activities to empower kids! I’d love to hear how you empower your kids in the comments below!

1. Compliment them daily on things that matter such as; kindness, empathy, and courage. Of course tell them they are beautiful/handsome, but since that is fleeting, focus on the important aspects of their character and how important they are to you.
2. Start conversations at an early age about how their bodies are amazing, no matter what shape, color or size. Explain that they alone are in control of their bodies and the power of it.
3. Write a letter praising accomplishments or traits you want to encourage. Keep them in a book so they can look back on them through the years when they need a reminder.
4. Read, read, read to them. Teach them about the world through books.
5. Expose them to the beauty of different cultures, countries and traditions. Try new foods, attend festivals and make crafts popular in other parts of the world.
6. Encourage learning about the human body and its many incredible functions. Encourage them to talk to their doctors  and ask questions. Look for a book on human anatomy for kids to assist. Get our favorite book here: The Human Body: A Shine-A-Light Book 
7. Teach them they do not have to keep a secret with any adult and encourage open discussions with family members if something is upsetting them.
8. Plant and tend a garden together, letting them choose some of the plants. This allows them to see the power they have in creating food and connecting with nature.
9. Read biographies together of people who have done amazing things, and let them know these people are no different from your child. Get our favorite biography book here: Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls
10. Teach them how to protect themselves and escape dangerous situations safely. Contact local fire and/or police departments for guidance.
11. Take time to talk with them one on one, such as before bed in their room, everyday.
12. Allow them to choose a new or exotic recipe from a cookbook to try and cook it together.
13. Show up at their school to have lunch with them and their friends. Get to know their friends!
14. Let them choose the paint color of their bedroom and assist in finding decorations for it.
15. Take them to a bank and open a savings account in their name.
16. On February 1st through Valentine’s Day, leave a heart on their door with something you love about them each day.
17. Take them to do a one-on-one activity of their choice with you, whether the zoo, ice cream, etc.
18. Write a letter together to the author of their favorite book, explaining why they loved it.
19. Interview grandparents and family members with them. Teach them about their ancestors and the strong line of men and women who came before them.
20. Provide positive role models for them. Discuss what makes them role models instead of just pop cultural icons.
21. Make a list together of the people they love. Provide ways to contact them when they need encouragement or support.
22. Agree on a secret code word or phrase to use in public if they feel uncomfortable or want to go home. If and when they use it, listen to them and act as soon as possible.
23. When old enough, buy a pet. Teach the responsibility of taking care of an animal and having empathy towards them.
24. Teach them what healthy love looks like, whether with a spouse or amongst family members.
25. Teach them what a healthy disagreement looks like. Explain that people fight, but it doesn’t mean the love between them stops.
26. Expose them to new activities together, such as rollerskating or yoga. Let them decide which activities to pursue, do not force the activities you want them involved in if they prefer something different.
27. Purchase and sample a new fruit or vegetable they have never tried before.
28. Buy them a dictionary and teach them how to look up words from it, instead of using google every time.
29. Take them to the library and choose their own books. Teach them how to create a book reservation if they are looking forward to a new release.
30. If you have to go out of town for work, send a letter or postcard in the mail for them.
31. Take them to a hardware store and explain different tools and their functions. Buy a functioning set of tools for them to use right along with you. Get our favorite tool set here: 9 Piece Tool Set
32. Explain why you select certain candidates to vote for.
33. Teach them the importance of how to budget their money at a young age.
34.  Teach them early that difficult times in school won’t last forever.
35. Get to know their friends. Discuss and encourage open dialogue with them about what being a good friend means.
36. Teach them directions, so if a GPS breaks they always know how to get to safety.
37. Teach them basic cooking techniques and how to cook their favorite meal.
38. Write a letter to a representative in Congress about an issue that is important to them.
39.  Teach them that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.