Journaling Prompts to Overcome Self-Doubt for Kids under 10

As a parent or caregiver, you’ve probably seen it happen—your little one hesitates before trying something new, second-guesses their abilities, or says, “I can’t do it.” It’s heartbreaking because you know how amazing they are, but self-doubt has a sneaky way of creeping in—even for kids!

Below are some simple and fun journaling prompts designed to help your child feel more sure of themselves.

1. What Makes You Special?

Kids sometimes compare themselves to others, forgetting how special they are in their own way. Help them recognize their unique qualities with these prompts:

• What is something you’re really good at?
• What is something you do that makes other people smile?
• What is one thing that makes you different from others (and why is that awesome)?

You can make this activity even more fun by turning it into a drawing journal—let them sketch their answers!

2. When Doubt Shows Up

It’s important for kids to recognize when self-doubt appears so they can learn to challenge it. These prompts help them put their feelings into words:

• What is something that feels tricky or hard right now?
• When you feel unsure, what does that feeling look like? (A tiny shadow? A silly monster?)
• What is something you’ve done before that was hard at first but got easier?

Encourage your child to name their self-doubt—giving it a silly name like “The Worry Whisp” or “The No-Can-Do Goblin” can help make it feel less overwhelming.

3. Turning “I Can’t” into “I Can”

Negative thoughts can feel big, but kids can learn to rewrite their inner dialogue. These prompts guide them through that shift:

• Write one sentence that starts with “I can’t…” then change it to “I can…”
• What is something you’re still learning but getting better at?
• What would you tell a friend who was feeling unsure?

You can practice this out loud too! When your child expresses doubt, gently encourage them to find a new way to say it.

4. A Confidence Letter

Writing to themselves can be a great way for kids to build self-trust. Try this together:

• “Dear [your name], I believe in you because…”
• “One day, I will look back and be so proud that I tried…”
• “Remember, you are amazing because…”

Let them decorate their letters and keep them somewhere special to read whenever they need a confidence boost.

Helping Your Child Feel More Sure of Themselves

Self-doubt doesn’t disappear overnight, but with your support, your child can learn to recognize their strengths and face challenges with more confidence. Encouraging them to journal, talk about their feelings, and celebrate their progress (big or small) helps them see what you already know—they are capable, creative, and full of potential.

Try these prompts together and make journaling a fun part of your child’s routine. You might just be surprised at how much their confidence grows! 😊