How to Improve a Teen’s Self Esteem

It is all too easy for teenagers to feel that somehow they are missing the mark and they are not as clever or as attractive as their friends. If you have a struggling teen who feels that he or she just isn’t good enough then you may be interested in ideas on how to improve a teen’s self esteem. Most of us recognize that character and a sense of self is built in childhood but tend to forget that teenagers also watch everything closely and look for clues as to how they should be.

Children and teenagers absorb what is going on around them and then reflect it back at you. If someone is growing up in a home where there are heated arguments and even violence then it hinders that teenager’s chance of developing a solid sense of self and forming healthy relationships.

A child who is emotionally neglected and never praised at home will grow into a troubled teen who sees life as a continual struggle and themselves as of no consequence. A major problem for teenagers is the hormonal trouble that affects us all, which is why teenagers are so sensitive and the way you treat them can have either a damaging or uplifting effect on the self esteem and their sense of self. When you are dealing with a teenager, it might not always be obvious, but praise and words of encouragement when ever the opportunity arises, can have a lasting positive effect on that person’s self esteem and character development.

Most teenagers exhibit the Greta Garbo effect of wanting to be alone at points but this does not mean that you should disengage from them. You need to be able to give them space, as and when they need it, while at the same time being there, ready to offer words of comfort and advice as needed.

Teenagers are often harder emotional work than most four year olds and their behavior is often extremely erratic, due to the hormonal changes in their body. While you can pick up a four year old, give them a hug and put them to bed, it is not that simple with a teenager. It is difficult to give someone their own space, while at the same time being mindful that they need you to be there, ready to offer words of encouragement and maybe offer a hug.

Most teenagers feel unsure of themselves because they are standing on the threshold of the adult world. On the one hand they want to grow up and experience all that adulthood has to offer, while on the other they still need your ready ear, your guiding hand, and your approval. Parenting a teen is not an easy job but if you follow a few general guidelines you will end up with a well rounded adult with a sense of their own worth.