Foster Care Training

Numerous children and adolescents identified as at-risk struggle with either low self-esteem or an unhealthy high self-esteem based on his/her ability to create feelings of inferiority in others (a.k.a. bullying behavior). Such experiences create an external locus of control thereby perpetuating the risk factors classifying children and adolescents as at-risk. In an effort to encourage an internal locus of control and to increase protective factors, children and adolescents must be empowered to develop a healthy self-esteem and a strong sense of self. We explore hands-on experiential activities based in Adlerian play to provide children with a visual, auditory, and kinesthetic means for conceptualizing and developing a strong sense of self. Play techniques based in the use of metaphors through bibliotherapy, expressive arts, and adventure will be shared. Through the therapeutic powers of play, children develop a sense of grounding on which they can rely during times of struggle and challenge. Activities coordinated with the Three Bs of Self-Esteem support children in understanding self-esteem as a part of themselves. By helping children Build, Boost, and Back their self-esteem, they develop resiliency against the impact of negative external environmental and social factors. In addition, an increase in positive self-esteem assists in both reducing bullying behavior and its negative impact.