Using Imagination to Foster Self-Regulation

<a href="http://Emotional.lifetips.com/cat/57242/behavioral-health-treatment-and-therapy/index.html">Children with poor self-esteem can be helped to overcome some of their negative feelings, fears, or anxieties through the use of their imagination. For example, if a bully at school is picking on your child, you might ask your child to pretend he or she has special powers that allow him or her to build a protective, invisible wall around themselves. Have the child visualize the bully picking on him/her and using brick to build a wall between themselves and the bully.

Emphasize the fact that the invisible wall can shield them from insults, unkind words, ridicule, or other verbal assults the bully throws their way. Help your child practice using his/her imagination by pretending to take the role of the bully and calling him/her bad names while encouraging your child to cognitively build the imaginary wall.

You can use this same technique by helping your child pretend to be a super hero or magical like in the Harry Potter series.