Building self-esteem in teens
Adolescence is perhaps the most complicated in one’s life. Although adulthood can be pretty complicated too, nothing can match the adjustments that we have to make during this period of “growing up.” In addition to the usual stress that physical changes and hormonal changes in the body give, adolescents also have to deal with changes in their social interaction with people. This is also the time or period in their lives when they will experience emotional changes. This is the time when most will first become aware of the opposite sex and maybe fall in love or have a puppy love.
In this period of great changes and upheavals, of scattered energies and differing emotions, a teenager’s self-esteem becomes vulnerable. Although self-esteem is basically developed in childhood through parental love and attention; Only the foundation is built in this period. The essence of one’s self-esteem will be solidified during the adolescence period and of course all through adulthood. This is the reason why it is important to develop a teener’s self-esteem further during this period. Unfortunately, social groups in high schools and other social dynamics often lower their self-esteem. Below are some tips to help your teeners build high self-esteem. Give them role models Parents are of course their children’s primary role models. This is acceptable when they are kids but let’s face the fact that we can’t really compete with younger role models that they are exposed to in the media. People like Lindsay Lohan and Hillary Duff seem more believable and more attractive to teenagers. Although basically parents should still strive to become a good example to their children, they should also accept the fact that they cannot be their only role models for long. They need other role models who they can really identify with. The role of parents now should be to help their teeners choose role models that are admirable. They should also be taught to differentiate the characteristics that they should emulate and traits that they should not. After all, role models are for guidance and not for copying. Give them your trust One of things that will help your child trust themselves and their abilities is for parents like you to trust them. If they feel that you do not respect them as individuals, they will not respect themselves enough to try to achieve things for themselves. If you do not trust them and if you do not have confidence in what they can do, how do you expect them to develop their talents and achieve greatness. Trust is a complicated issue and most parents will become confused at how to achieve a balance. It is important that parents try though. Too many limitations and restrictions can curb their potentials but too lax may get them lost. Give them their voice The right to argue and to explain your side of the story has become only a privilege in most homes. This should not be. Parents also make mistakes. Before judging and imposing sanctions, it is important that you allow your kids to state their case and explain their actions. After which, judge accordingly. Allowing them their own voice and their own opinions teaches them to think on their own and decide for themselves. Thus, they begin to trust their instincts and develop their self-esteem.
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