General Tips for Teaching your Teen about Self-Esteem
1. Stay positive when talking to your teen. It’s okay if you get angry from time to time, just remember that constant negativity will send the wrong message.
2. Promote a healthy lifestyle. If you engage in healthy activities with your teen, rather than just advising them to do it on their own, it will set a good example.
3. Teach your teen to accept themselves. Let them know that failure is a part of life, and dealing with it in a positive way will help them in the long run.
4. Celebrate your teen’s good decisions. If your teen is excelling in school, getting involved with healthy activities, or just making good choices – let them know!
5. Let your teen know they’re good enough. Teenagers have a difficult time dealing with what’s expected of them among their peers. Make sure to tell them that they don’t need to impress anyone besides themselves!
6. Help your teen develop their strengths. If you notice something your teen may be interested in, get them involved.
7. Help your teen set realistic goals. Explain that achieving goals takes time and effort. Emphasize that these goals can be reached even if there are hiccups along the way.
8. Use mistakes as a learning tool. If your teen experiences failure, use that to guide them in the right direction. Be sure to explain that this happens to everyone, even you!