The transition from being a girl to a young woman is a rough one, littered with questions such as, "Do I?" "Should I?" and "What if?" Often, bright, vocal young girls grow into quiet young women, not always confident enough to take a smart risk or speak her ideas. The questions and challenges are a normal part of the transition from child to "tween" to teen, but it is important to instill a sense of confidence and good self-esteem in young ladies so they can grow into bright, vocal young women.
Self-Respect
If you encounter a young woman with good self-esteem, you encounter a young woman with high self-respect. These young women take care of themselves, doing what is best for their needs so they can continue to support themselves long-term. A young women who respects herself is also less likely to get in trouble and more likely to take herself out of potentially dangerous relationships and situations.
Happiness
Evidence shows that strong self-esteem in young women leads to greater happiness, according to Harvard Medical School. A young woman with good self-esteem does not pick at herself or her flaws constantly. She may recognize elements about herself that she wishes to change, but she can make those changes with a positive attitude and clear self-image.
Health
A young women with good self-esteem is more likely to be healthy than a woman with poor self-esteem. "Healthy" does not necessarily mean being waif-thin, but it does mean getting proper nutrition and regular exercise, even if that exercise is nothing more than a walk in the park with some friends. This healthful balance is particularly important for the young women who are still in their teen years and still growing into their adult bodies.
Challenges
Young women with good self-esteem are more likely to take on various challenges and difficult tasks. Whether the challenge is acting in a theater production or interviewing for a higher-level job, young women with good self-esteem readily raise their voices and, though challenges, develop themselves into stronger people. This translates, later in life, into a greater likelihood of success in career life, as well as personal life.
Perseverance
Quitters never win, and a young woman with good self-esteem is rarely a quitter. The young lady who has confidence in herself is more likely to find a way around the obstacles that stand in front of her, fostering creative thinking, as well as problem-solving skills that will benefit her throughout her daily life. This perseverance also helps young women as they learn to cope with situations that are beyond their control.
References
- Juvenile Female Offenders: A Status of the States Report: Self-Esteem and Young Women
- Harvard Medical School: Importance of High Self-Esteem: Implicit vs. Explicit Self-Esteem
- "The Daily Pennsylvanian"; Young Women Gain Self-Esteem with Fashion, Fitness, and Funk; Seth Grossman; Nov. 5., 1997
- Women and Talent: Overcoming Low Self-Esteem: "Where Was My Self-Respect?"
- NPR: Young Women in Brooklyn Fight for Respect



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