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Low self esteem in teenagers is not only something teens struggle with, but the parents of those teens as well.
Seeing your child struggle with low self esteem, and experiencing the poor decision making that can derive from it, can be heart breaking.
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The following 10 ways will help in approaching this issue, without making it truly obvious that you are trying to help (which most teenagers will resist!).
- Set Boundaries And Hold Them Accountable – Holding your child accountable to meet your expectations shows that you value who they are, and recognize what they are able to contribute to the world.
- Praise Them Generously – While they may not always acknowledge your efforts, it does go a long way!
- Encourage Decision Making – Show your teen that they have the power to make their own decisions, and you are confident in their abilities to make good ones.
- Encourage Them To Have/Express Their Own Opinions – Teach them that not only should they have a mind of their own, but also the importance of sharing their opinions with confidence.
- Stay Connected – Staying connected using all forms of communication gives your teenager more freedom, and allows them to communicate you in a way that they feel most comfortable.
- Support Them Through Conflicts – Without the right support, a conflict with friends can seem like the end of the world for a teen. Being there to support them can go a long way.
- Provide Constructive Criticism – Balancing praise with constructive criticism helps your teenager grow as a person, and also adds to the value of your praise.
- Encourage Them To Explore New Talents – Help them to recognize and improve upon the things they are great at.
- Help Them Discover Their Passion – Find something that they enjoy, and are good at, to give them a constant in their ever changing lives. Having something they can thrive in no matter what else is going on will do wonders for their self esteem.
- Discuss And Encourage Positive Body Image – This is something that ideally starts at a younger age, so your teenager is well equipped when they reach the “too tall, too thin, too fat” labeling years.
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