🧠 New Activity: Strength Quest - Self Belief Hack

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🖍️ ✂️ ACTIVITY OF THE WEEK

Strength Quest

Objective: Help children embody the affirmation "I'm stronger than I think I am" by completing tasks that build both physical strength and resilience, showing them their true inner and outer strength.

Materials:

• A pillow or lightweight object for a fun "weightlifting" challenge

• A small box or basket to carry items in

• Various lightweight items (toys, books, etc.)

• A sheet of paper or poster for a visual "strength meter"

• Markers or stickers to track progress

• Optional: A family photo or drawing to represent a "family flag"

Steps:

1. Introduction (5 minutes):

   • Affirmation Talk: Start by explaining the affirmation "I'm stronger than I think I am." Ask your child what strength means to them—both physical and mental—and give examples of when they’ve already shown strength (e.g., learning something new, helping around the house, or standing up after a fall).

   • Tell them today they will go on a Strength Quest to discover just how strong they are!

2. Set the Scene: Strength Quest (5 minutes):

   • Explain that there are a series of challenges (both fun and silly) that will show them how strong they really are.

   • Create a "Strength Meter" on a piece of paper or poster. Every time they complete a challenge, they’ll add a sticker or mark on the meter, watching it grow as their strength is revealed.

3. Strength Challenges (30 minutes):

   • Challenge 1: Pillow Power Lift (5 minutes)

     • Give them a pillow or similarly light object and ask them to “lift” it above their head 10 times like a weightlifter.

     • Encourage them, saying, “See, you’re already stronger than you think! Keep going!”

   • Challenge 2: Mighty Helper (5 minutes)

     • Have a small basket or box and ask your child to fill it with some toys or lightweight books. Then, challenge them to carry the basket from one side of the room to the other.

     • Remind them that strength isn't just in the muscles—it’s also in doing tasks that may feel tough at first.

   • Challenge 3: Unbreakable Bridge (10 minutes)

     • Lay some pillows on the floor and challenge your child to balance or walk on them, pretending they are a bridge. As they cross, encourage them to be brave and focused, reminding them they have the strength to get across.

     • If they stumble, cheer them on to get up and try again, saying, "You're stronger than you think!"

   • Challenge 4: Family Flag Planting (10 minutes)

     • On a piece of paper, draw a family "flag" together, symbolizing your family’s strength (a family photo can also be used). Attach the flag to a stick or create a little stand for it.

     • Place the flag in a spot across the room and tell your child the final task is to carry the flag to a chosen spot like a hero. Talk about how strong they are for their family, showing resilience and courage.

4. Reflection Time (5-10 minutes):

   • After completing the Strength Quest, sit together and review each task. Discuss how they felt when they began each challenge and how their strength helped them complete it.

   • Ask questions like: “Did anything feel hard? What did you do to keep going? How do you feel knowing you finished all the challenges?”

   • Celebrate their achievements by pointing to their filled "Strength Meter" and emphasizing how they are much stronger than they initially thought.

5. Affirmation Wrap-Up (5 minutes):

   • Repeat the affirmation together: “I’m stronger than I think I am.”

   • Share a personal story about a time you, the parent, felt challenged but discovered your own strength. Encourage them to say the affirmation whenever they face a difficult situation.

Why This Works:

• Physical and Mental Strength: The activity highlights not just physical strength, but mental resilience, helping children connect the two concepts.

• Boosting Confidence: Completing challenges and watching their "Strength Meter" fill up visually reinforces that they are capable of handling more than they think.

• Positive Bonding: The inclusion of a family flag emphasizes the idea that they are a vital and strong part of their family, which builds their sense of contribution and belonging.

This activity not only makes the affirmation "I'm stronger than I think I am" come alive but also builds self-confidence in a tangible, fun way!

BEFORE YOU GO

Other ways we can help:

• Follow our Charm Words Daily Affirmations for Kids podcast

• Purchase our first tracing affirmations journal

• Send us topics you want us to design activities for: [email protected]