| The teen years are the most challenging times for any | | | | words, they know when they're being patronized and |
| parents. One intricate aspect of managing teenagers | | | | don't like it. So make sure your positive comments are |
| involve building up their self esteem. One day they're | | | | realistic. And don't expect them to acknowledge your |
| feeling like the scum of the earth and the next day | | | | comments or that they're having an affect. Just |
| they're going to be the next president of the United | | | | continue to offer positive comments on their behavior |
| States. These self esteem ups and downs are normal, | | | | whenever possible. Teens will listen, they just won't let |
| as teens react dramatically to most everything. | | | | you know they're listening. |
| Causes of Low Self Esteem | | | | Enaging Them |
| What might seem insignificant to us adults are the very | | | | Give them many chances to have new experiences |
| thing that cause their self esteem to take a dive. This | | | | and to encourage them to take part in activities |
| could be due to 'trivial' things like acne, break ups with | | | | they've shown an interest in or have a track record of |
| significant others, and even unintentional comments | | | | success in. Keeping teens busy in activities that give |
| made by adults whom they look up to. While a dip is | | | | them a lot of opportunities for positive reinforcement |
| nothing to worry about when it comes to a teenager's | | | | will get their self esteem up and keep it up. |
| self esteem, a low dip in their self esteem that doesn't | | | | Conclusion |
| bounce back up within a reasonable period of time is | | | | The teen years are ones that will affect a person's |
| cause for concern. | | | | self confidence for years to come, so whatever you |
| Positive Words | | | | do, the best thing you can do for them today is to |
| One thing you can do if you think your teen is suffering | | | | invest your time in them. Talk to them, spend plenty of |
| from low self esteem is to give them as much positive | | | | time together with them. Statistics have shown that |
| feedback as possible. Teens are highly suspicious of | | | | children who grew spending tons of time with parents |
| most any adult and will disregard anything an adult | | | | tend to become more successful in life! |
| says that seems "over the top" to them. In other | | | | |