Teenage self esteem can be a complex issue in itself, considering that teenagers lack the necessary life skills and experiences required to deal with the world’s harsh realities that surrounds them.
The social circles that teens thrive, or they falter in, will play a significant role in their personal development.
An impressionable teenager’s outlook on life will often be based on perceptions driven more by pop culture than the real world experience he is confronting meaning that teenage self esteem can often be boosted by the wrong influences and flawed perception.
So what can you do to get through to your teens and help to build up their self esteem? Even though it’s obvious, never assume that your teenagers know just how much you love them. Daily expressions are encouraged to hit home at this point.
Let them know they are loved, that they are capable of achieving anything and that you appreciate and value them. Never put off saying it because you assume they already know. One extra “I love you”, won’t cost you anything but can really set the stage for your teenagers’ day.
Be aware of your actions and change your home environment. Your teenagers need to know they are safe and secure and this is why you should always strive to create a peaceful home for them to live and flourish in. Be aware of your actions in front of your teenagers, they are very perceptive and sensitive and know when something’s wrong.
It’s difficult to bolster teenagers self esteem in a home when conflicts are taking place around them. What happens within the home echoes outside for them in the form of anxiety, nerves and expressions of anger. They tend to internalize these conflicts and often end up carrying the blame and guilt well into their adult years.
If an argument ensues, take it to another room or pick a more appropriate time, then ensure that your teenagers see the resolution. Life isn’t always rosy or perfect but if they can see the positive result that can be derived from that conflict then it’s arming them with life skills for the future in handling them of the same scenario.
You give them an alternative to handling their own resolutions rather than with anger or violence. At the core of teenage self esteem is the need for positive reinforcement which encourages them to excel, to do better and to reach their potential.
Spend more time with your teenagers accentuating the positive things they do rather than to nitpick at the negatives. So resist the temptation to berate your teenagers, if you don’t want that their self confidence will be affected.