24 Ways to Build Self-Esteem in Teens
Does your teen struggle with self-esteem? It’s very common because of how much their bodies, brains, emotions, and social groups are changing.
Here are 12 signs of low self-esteem:
They look down or away when talking to others
They make negative "I" statements like "I could never do what she did"
They talk negatively about their life, their bodies, their abilities
They compare themselves to others
They brag excessively
They apologize for everything or refuse to apologize
They are alone all the time
They are unwilling to try new things because they are afraid they will fail
They blame others for their mistakes
They are too physically affectionate for their age
They seek attention in negative ways (risk taking, doing drugs, speaking too loudly, monopolizing conversations)
They don't share their opinions
If your teen matches any of these, here are 24 things you can do to help:
Point out areas you see improvement
Listen deeply and actively to their thoughts and feelings
Spend time with them
Attend their events
Teach them to set and accomplish goals
Encourage them to try new things
Set boundaries and maintain them
Encourage them to make decisions and honor them
Be supportive of their relationships
Be careful with criticism
Model confidence
Teach them positive self-talk
Help them be assertive
Teach them how to protect themselves
Show forgiveness and teach them how to accept and offer it
Give them opportunities to practice and learn essential skills
Give less advice and ask for more
Encourage a growth mindset
Monitor and teach healthy social media use
Provide opportunities to volunteer
Ask for help, even if you can do it yourself
Create opportunities for them to spend time with friends
Connect them with other adults so they have more examples
Seek professional help if needed
If you are concerned about your teen’s self-esteem, that last one is so important. Low self-esteem can lead to so many of the problems teenagers struggle with. Let me know if I can help!