09-23-2024

Reinforce Your Teen’s Self-Respect

When some kids hit adolescence, they lose confidence in themselves. Too many teens deny their own talents and strengths and adapt their personalities to fit into limited definitions of what’s appropriate for a person of a particular type.

To encourage a strong sense of self—and the confidence it provides:

• Have your teen ask, “Who am I and what do I want?” instead of, “What must I do to please others?”
• Help your teen identify and pursue personal strengths, talents and interests. Encourage goal-setting.
• Help your teen recognize forces in daily life and in the media that have an impact on a person's self-image.
• Use inclusive language—like mail carrier, not mailman.
• Model the respect and equality in your home that you want your teen to experience in the outside world. Ask your teen to express opinions and take them seriously.
• Be available and listen without judging when your teen wants to talk.
• Encourage perseverance in the face of difficulty, and show belief in your teen's abilities to succeed. Say things like, “I know you can do it” and “Everyone makes mistakes. It’s what they do next that counts.”
• Help your celebrate progress and met goals.
• Teach your teen to value having friends, not just romantic relationships.
• Encourage your teen to read works that feature strong characters, regardless of whether the author's or character's characteristics match your teen's.

Brought to you by:

Gwinnett County Public Schools