How a teenager feels about himself or herself can play a large roll in later success in life. In fact, teen self esteem can influence decisions that are made now - decisions that can impact health, mental state and achievement in later years. It is important to help your teenager feel that he or she is of worth. This will inspire the confidence that helps teenagers excel at what they do, and give the courage to say no to dangerous substances and situations.

Helping your teenager build good self esteem

Positive self esteem is when a teen knows that he or she is loved, cared for and is worthwhile. Self esteem is understanding that others think well of us. Teenagers need to feel that their friends, teachers and parents respect and love them. There are some things that parents can do help teens develop a healthy self esteem:

• Avoid too much negativity. Focus on what your teenager has done right. It is alright to correct your teen when he or she is wrong, but do so in a gentle manner, and accompany your critique with praise for some other activity that he or she is doing well at. Make sure you recognize the good while you are helping to manage the bad.
• Focus on improvement, rather than on perfection. No one is going to be perfect. Let your teenager know that you notice when he or she makes improvements in their activities and behaviors. Focus on the journey, rather than what you wish was the end product.
• Encourage achievement. Help your teenager set and achieve goals. They should be challenging goals, but also goals that your teen can accomplish. Being able to overcome challenges and reach a goal can give your teenager a good sense of accomplishment and worth.
• Understand that your teenager may want different things than you. You may want your teenager to be a doctor, but he or she may want to be a journalist. Understand that your teen may have different goals in life. Try to support your teenager in his or her decisions. As long as your teen is not engaging in risky, damaging or illegal behavior, try to be supportive and encouraging.
• Listen to your teen. Invite your teenager to share his or her ideas and opinions. Listen respectfully, and encourage critical thinking. Be a model of civil discussion and teach your teenager how to disagree without arguing.
• Encourage exercise. Physical activity helps increase one’s self esteem. Encourage your teenager to get regular exercise, either through activities at home or by participating in organized sports.
• Encourage extracurricular activities. Your teenager does need to be involved in everything, but one or to extra activities can really help improve self esteem. It gives your teen something to improve at and accomplish. Make sure that you attend recitals and exhibitions and sporting events that your teenager participates in to show your support.

Having a teenager can be difficult. And it can be hard to know how to properly nurture and care for your teen. However, if you make the effort to show love and kindness - and support and interest - you can help your teenager develop the healthy self esteem that leads him or her to live a successful and fulfilling life.

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