| Extreme low self-esteem in children and | | | | |
| teenagers can be very dangerous to their | | | | -An inability to try new things. |
| ability to say no to bad influences like | | | | |
| drugs, alcohol and illicit sex. | | | | It's natural for children and teens to want |
| | | | to try new things and have new experiences. A |
| Maintaining a high level of self esteem can | | | | child who consistently shies away from |
| help a child or teen find the courage to | | | | anything but the norm, may not have the |
| stand up against the crowd for what they | | | | confidence to believe that they can succeed. |
| believe and say no with courage and power. | | | | |
| Self-esteem is what helps us all hold our | | | | -Constant belittling. |
| heads up high and believe that we can | | | | |
| accomplish anything we set out to do. All | | | | A child with a good sense of self esteem is |
| wonderful traits we want to instill in our | | | | can easily interact with their peers and |
| kids. | | | | accept life's challenges without making it a |
| | | | big deal, while children with low self esteem |
| Unfortunately for far too many teens, sudden | | | | will constantly belittle themselves even when |
| changes in their bodies and emotions can | | | | they do succeed. |
| leave them scared, confused and frightened. | | | | |
| Many lose their ability to feel good about | | | | What if you recognize these signs in your own |
| themselves and begin to make bad choices that | | | | child? What can you do to help build your |
| can adversely affect their futures. | | | | child's self esteem? Follow these tips: |
| | | | |
| How can you, as a parent, tell the difference | | | | -Watch what you say. |
| between normal teenage angst and serious | | | | |
| self-esteem issues? Watch for these important | | | | Be gentle with any criticism and watch for |
| clues: | | | | opportunities to offer thoughtful (and |
| | | | truthful) praise. |
| -A sudden change in the way they look and | | | | |
| take care of their appearance. | | | | -Be a positive role model. |
| | | | |
| A child who has always been meticulous about | | | | Don't be too hard on yourself either. If you |
| the way they dressed and looked, and who | | | | expect too much from yourself, your children |
| suddenly takes no care in themselves or their | | | | are apt to follow your lead and mirror your |
| clothing may be adopting an attitude of "I'm | | | | behavior. |
| always a mess anyway so no one will notice." | | | | |
| | | | -Be affectionate with your child. |
| -Exhibits an extreme need to be perfect. | | | | |
| | | | Give your kids lots of hugs and praise. Let |
| Children who feel that they must be perfect | | | | them know that they are worthy of your love |
| at everything often do so as a way to hide | | | | and attention. |
| all the things they perceive that they can't | | | | |
| do correctly. Being studious is one thing, | | | | -Make your child feel safe and nurtured. |
| but if your child suddenly exhibits an | | | | |
| unnatural need for perfection, or has a hard | | | | Take the time to make him or her feel |
| time dealing with even the smallest amount of | | | | important. |
| criticism; it may be a sign of trouble. | | | | |