6 Ways to Increase Self-Esteem in Teens

1. Verbalize compliments or acknowledge positive personality traits/behaviors

Examples:

∙ “You worked hard on that project.”
∙ “That was really kind of you to help grandma out today with her yard work.”

2. Children often have learned behaviors from their parents. Avoid your own critical self-talk in front of them. Try your best to model self-confidence.

3. Encourage and support activities that promote self-confidence.

Examples:

∙ Helping others, playing sports, building/making something, finishing tasks, etc.
∙ Allow participation in learning more skills in topics they are interested in.

4. If you hear your child have negative self-talk, follow it up with reminders of what their strengths or share your observation of the negative trait they speak of is not being true to you. You can also follow it up with a question, such as how can I help you with that?

5. Devote one on one time to strengthen and build your relationship with your teen. This will increase open communication between you both and it sends a message to your child that you are available to help/speak to them.

6. Set time limits on social media. Scholarly studies are beginning to show the negative impact of social media on teens and mental health. Teens who frequently use social media report higher rates of anxiety and depression. The Netflix documentary, “The Social Dilemma” may be insightful for you both to watch together, to learn about how social media and technology can affect people.

Our mission as a behavioral and mental health provider is to serve you with high quality, comfortable, and safe experience to increase your well-being.