Enhancing self-esteem, whether high or low, yields various positive outcomes, such as improved social connections, academic and professional achievements, better overall well-being, and reduced tendencies towards antisocial behavior. Implementing well-structured interventions aimed at fostering self-esteem could prove advantageous for both individuals and society at large (Orth et al., 2022).
During adolescence, self-esteem acts as a crucial buffer against the adverse effects of stressful life events, serving as a focal point for averting negative health consequences and promoting optimal developmental trajectories.
7 Strategies Parents can use to improve their teen’s self-esteem:
Identify and Acknowledge Strengths and Weaknesses: Recognize both your child’s strengths and areas where they struggle, and collaboratively set realistic goals to enhance their abilities. Ensure that the goals are achievable and within their control, and formulate a clear plan for achieving them.
Celebrate Effort Over Results: Rather than solely praising outcomes, acknowledge and commend the effort invested by your adolescent. Instill the importance of perseverance and resilience, emphasizing that setbacks are part of the learning process for your child or teen.
Teach Assertiveness: Equip adolescents with assertiveness skills to effectively advocate for themselves in various situations. Differentiate between assertiveness and aggression, stressing the importance of standing up for oneself with confidence and respect.
Lead by Example: Model confidence and self-assurance in your actions and behaviors. Demonstrate resilience and self-acceptance, highlighting the value of embracing one’s strengths and imperfections.
Foster Intrinsic Self-Worth: Encourage your child to derive self-worth from internal values and virtues rather than external validations. Emphasize qualities like kindness and integrity over superficial attributes, nurturing a stable foundation for self-esteem in your child or teenager.
Balance Independence and Guidance: Provide adolescents with appropriate autonomy while offering guidance and support when needed. Allow them to experience the consequences of their actions, facilitating the development of decision-making skills and self-confidence.
Cultivate Positive Self-Talk: Help your child develop a constructive inner dialogue by challenging negative thoughts and promoting realistic self-appraisals. Encourage your child to reframe irrational beliefs and focus on their strengths and capabilities.
Implementing some of the above-mentioned strategies to improve self-esteem is a great start to help your teen’s confidence. You can also contact us today to schedule an appointment with our of our therapists specializing in teens and self-esteem.
References
Orth, U., & Robins, R. W. (2022). Is high self-esteem beneficial? Revisiting a classic question. The American psychologist, 77(1), 5–17. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000922
Self-esteem as a protective factor against adolescent … https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0973134220190203. (n.d.).
https://www.verywellfamily.com/essential-strategies-for-raising-a-confident-teen-2611002
Lena Haiek, AMFT, is a huge advocate for children and families. With over a decade of work with children in a preschool setting, and mothering three children of her own, Lena has observed how enhancing self-esteem plays a significant role in helping children and the family system thrive. Lena works from a client-centered and strength-based approach to therapy with the goal of family empowerment. Moreover, people with high self-esteem show more success in school and work, maintain healthy relationships with others, and have improved mental and physical health. Lena Haiek is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist offering therapy in Glendale and Sherman Oaks, in addition to telehealth services.
