5 Ways to Boost Your Teen's Self-Esteem
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It hasn't been long since I walked the hallowed halls of high school. And while today's teens exhibit many differences from my generation of awkward adolescents, one thing remains the same: the tiniest phrase or action can send them into a downward spiral of self-doubt. Try as we might — and believe me, we do — but we can't protect our children from every insult that's thrown at them. We can, however, give them the tools to combat those who try to hurt them, even if they are only hurting themselves. Here, some tricks to building your teen up, so others can't bring them down.
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Set Rules and Stick to Them
It may not seem like setting limits would lift your child's self-esteem, but hear us out. When you create boundaries that reflect your family's values, you — not their peers or the media — are teaching your child what characteristics are most admirable. And when you praise them for embodying these traits, they feel infinitely better about themselves.
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Embrace Their Unique Talents
Sometimes the dreams you have for your child don't match her own desires. So rather than forcing her to follow your preferred path, encourage her to pursue her passions. If she knows you support her, she will feel more secure and more confident in herself.
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Balance Compliments With (Constructive) Critiques
Praise is important to building a teen's confidence, but you don't want her to become cocky. Celebrate their accomplishments and offer constructive feedback when they feel like they've failed.
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Make Your Home a Positive Place
They say charity begins at home, but so does confidence. By making a few changes, you can create a safe space that boosts your teen's self-esteem and (hopefully) teaches her to help others who may be down on themselves.
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Treat Them Like Adults
We understand he'll always be your baby boy, but that doesn't mean you should treat him like an infant. Doing so makes him doubt his capabilities and become less confident. So start treating him like the adult he's about to be. Give him more responsibilities, ask his opinion, and let him spread his wings.