Teen self-esteem month is an excellent opportunity to focus on our young adults’ mental and emotional well-being. The teenage years can be tough on teens and parents. As together, we navigate various new experiences and challenges.
Right now, as the parents of teenage twin girls – on the daily, we see equal; measures of Kevin and Perry moaning and the outright ambition and tenacity of two adult Beth Duttons.
As parents and caregivers, we can help foster self-esteem in our teens, helping them feel more confident and capable as they grow into adulthood.
Here are some ideas to help foster self-esteem in both boys and girls:
Encourage Positive Self-Talk: Encouraging your teen to focus on their strengths and abilities can help boost self-esteem. Encourage positive self-talk and help them identify their unique qualities and talents. Remind them that everyone has areas where they excel and that their value as a person is not determined by their weaknesses.
Provide Opportunities for Success: Teens who experience success in areas they care about are likelier to have positive self-esteem. Encourage your teen to pursue their passions and interests, whether it’s sports, music, art, or academics. Celebrate their achievements and help them set achievable goals.
Teach Resilience: Life is full of ups and downs, and it’s essential for teens to learn how to bounce back from setbacks. Encourage your teen to view mistakes as opportunities for growth and help them develop healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and disappointment.
Model Positive Behavior: As a parent or caregiver, you are a role model for your teen. Model positive behaviour and attitudes, including self-care, self-compassion, and a growth mindset. Your own behaviour can help reinforce the importance of self-esteem and self-worth.
Foster Healthy Relationships: Healthy relationships can help teens feel valued and supported. Encourage your teen to cultivate positive relationships with family members, peers, and mentors. Help them identify people who encourage and uplift them, and teach them how to set boundaries with toxic individuals.
Practice Gratitude: Gratitude is a powerful tool for boosting self-esteem and overall well-being. Encourage your teen to practice gratitude by keeping a gratitude journal, expressing appreciation for others, or simply taking time to reflect on the positive aspects of their life.
Seek Professional Help: If your teen struggles with low self-esteem or mental health issues, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A therapist or counsellor can provide support and guidance to help your teen develop healthy self-esteem and coping strategies.
In addition to these ideas, many resources are available to help teens develop healthy self-esteem. Here are some resources to consider:
- The Self-Esteem Workbook for Teens by Lisa M. Schab
- Body Positive Power by Megan Jayne Crabbe
- Self-Esteem for Boys by Elizabeth Hartley-Brewer
- Self-Esteem for Girls by Elizabeth Hartley-Brewer
- Confidence Code for Girls by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
Teen self-esteem month is an excellent opportunity to focus on our young adults’ mental and emotional well-being. By fostering healthy self-esteem, we can help our teens feel more confident, capable, and resilient as they navigate the challenges of adolescence. Whether through positive self-talk, providing opportunities for success, or cultivating healthy relationships, there are many ways to support teen self-esteem and promote positive mental health outcomes.