You may remember how hard it was to feel good about yourself during your teenage years, and you may want to cry as you watch your teen struggling with those same issues. Many teenagers feel that they are just not good enough on a daily basis. While you know that your teen has many outstanding traits, they may not feel positive about themselves. Other teens are told regularly by their peers that they do not measure up. If you are a parent of a teen, here are four tips to helping build their self-esteem.
Catch Teens Being Good
If you listen to the media for just a few minutes, then you know that many people think that teens are up to no good continually. Do not let your teen grow up with that belief. Instead, catch them being good and tell them how proud you are of their behavior. While they may have a hard time admitting it, your teen loves to hear your praise. They will grow in their self-confidence and work even harder to please you.
Check-in Throughout the Day
Use text messages and quick phone calls throughout the day to let your teen know that you are thinking of them. This can open the door for a deeper conversation about things that really matter. Let your teen know that you are counting on them to do their best and to make the right decisions. Try to be there when your teen goes to bed at night because you’ll then have the opportunity to talk to them in person about their day or anything that they’ve been stressing about before they go to bed.
Take Care of Your Teen
Fill the refrigerator with healthy alternatives that are fun to eat. Get your child the medical and dental care services, like those from Village Family Dental, that they need. If you are strapped for cash, then many nonprofit organizations offer free dental and medical visits. Encourage them to get off their phones and do some physical activity each day. While your teen may grumble a little bit, they will appreciate that you love them enough to care about their health. In turn, they will feel happier and more self-confident.
Do Community Service
Nothing makes anyone feel better about themselves than doing some community service. As a family, help serve Meals on Wheels to homebound residents and the elderly. Let them volunteer as a summer camp counselor at a special needs camp. Encourage them to go through their clothes and give those that they do not wear to the needy. There are many ways that teens can help others while feeling better about themselves.
Turbulent teenage years can be hard to get through, but with your help, your child will come out on the other side. Use these ideas to get your creative juices flowing about how to help your teen have better self-esteem.
