Strengthening Your Teen’s Self Esteem

Family Moments — By Dr. Mommy on June 1, 2009 at 9:13 pm

Teens have a rough time, because they are in the ‘in-between- stage’.  We can’t call them children but we can’t call them adults either.  They are experiencing changes within their bodies on a daily basis and let’s not forget the emotional  changes!

So, needless to say teens have a rough time!

Along with the normal  chaos, teens often suffer from low self-esteem and peer pressure. Females are more prone to self-esteem issues and often get more attention for the problem, but males are just as susceptible. In fact, any teen is vulnerable to self-esteem challenges.

As parents and involved adults, it’s our responsibility to help teens develop a healthy self-esteem. Parents must also remember this is ongoing process, one simple chat will not do the trick.  It is important to remind your teens that they are special and that you are very proud of them.

Here are some tips that will help in boosting your teen’s self-esteem:

• Talk to your teen – Now this is not as easy as it sounds, because teens will be reluctant to talk to you.  However, you need to make yourself available if they happen to change their minds.  Just letting them know that you are always available will make all the difference in the world.

• Be a good listener – part of communication is the listening part.  Teens who have self-esteem issues often feel that no once cares or will listen to them.  Show them that you are listening by asking them questions and allowing them to finish their thoughts.  This does take practice, but your teen will appreciate the fact that you are allowing them to speak and you are truly listening.

• Encourage  a healthy lifestyle -A healthy lifestyle involves eating healthy food and exercise.  Teens will easily turn into couch potatoes if allowed, which of course will lead to the lowered self-esteem.  As a parent you can definitely help in this department by having healthy snacks in the home.  If there is junk food in the home, they will easily find it, they can actually spot junk food like lasers.  You’d be surprised!

• Encourage your teen to get involved – An active teen will have a healthy self esteem.  Be sure to let they choose an  activity they enjoy. It could be any activity, club, or organization. Getting them involved in something will help them realize they’re more normal than they think!

• Positive examples are a must – Children and teens for that matter will learn by example.  If they notice that you have  self esteem issues they will mimic those same behaviors.  Set an example with a positive attitude towards yourself and others.

• Set goals – teach your teens to set goals and most importantly praise them when they have accomplished their goals.  The goals can be small ones at first and once those are reached, be sure to celebrate.  This positive reinforcement will encourage them to set bigger goals that may take longer to reach.  Continue to encourage them and watch their self esteem strengthen. Be sure to make them aware they are allowed to change their goals along the way.  This is a very important aspect to learn at this age because it will prepare them to re-adjust their plans when circumstances change.  This is a definite confident builder for your teen.

• Show them you are proud – Wow, this is a BIG one!!  Teens have very fragile egos and need to hear words of praise from you.  They need to hear how proud you are of them.  If they do well on a test, praise them, if they do poorly, let them know that you are still proud of them.  It is simply important to encourage them to work harder and that you will be proud of them for all their efforts.

• Teach them about disappointment – Teens will deal with disappointments, criticisms and challenges on a daily basis.  This is part of growing up and talking to them and preparing them for such situations is imperative.  They need to know that they are important and a great people worthy of love and affection.  This will make them strong and able to handle whatever the world will throw at them.

As with anyone, teens will have good and bad days. Never be discouraged or give up on them. Follow these strategies and soon enough, you’ll know that you’re on the right path. Your teen will go through mood swings, but with time and love, they’ll emerge as a strong and confident adult.

The Chronicles continue…

Tags: be a good listener, dr mommy, Dr. Mommy Chronicles, encourage your teen, encouragement, family, family time, goal setting, healthy self esteem, low self esteem, parenting, Parenting Teens, parenting tips, peer pressure, positive reinforcement, Self Esteem, society, teen years, teenagers, teens disappointment, teens emotions, values