In elementary school there was the obligatory assembly where they called everyone into the multi-purpose room and put on this play where the main character had a balloon that was half way inflated and they had the other characters do things like compliment him, give him money, make plans with him, etc. and he would blow more air into the balloon which symbolized his self esteem. Then they would have other characters torment him, push him around, steal his wallet, etc. and each time he would let some air seep out of the balloon and start walking all over the stage moping sadly. This was to show the kids that the way you treat someone has an effect on them, and was generally used in hopes that kids would treat each other better. I don't know if it actually did work, but this thread sure puts a lot of air into my balloon.