Adolescence can be a time of struggle for some teenagers. Teens are developing a sense of self and trying to figure out who they are. Some teenagers start to feel inadequate and worry about fitting in with peers. Teens with low self esteem may be more likely to compromise their values and become sexually active or participate in unsafe activities, such as drug or alcohol use. It is critical to help teens build values and develop positive self esteem to help them through this phase of life.
Step 1
Make sure your teen has positive adult role models in her life. Adolescents watch the behavior of parents, teachers and other adults. If you or another adult makes a mistake, talk about it with your teen and discuss lessons learned.
Step 2
Find an interest or activity in which your teenager can succeed. Perceived failure makes a teen feel badly about himself. Encourage him to try a sport or activity and praise his efforts.
Step 3
Show respect to your teen by taking her seriously. She wants others to see her as a mature adult. You must adjust the way you interact with her, and not treat her the same way you did when she was a child. Treat her with courtesy and ask her for her thoughts and opinions.
Step 4
Watch the friends with whom your teenager decides to hang out. Get to know them by allowing them to come over and spend time at your house. Encourage your teen to spend time with friends who have positive attitudes and stay out of trouble.
Step 5
Give your teen freedom with clear limits. For example, you may allow him to go out with a group of friends on the weekend, but he must tell you where he is going and be home by 11:00. Set clear consequences if he does not respect your limits.
Step 6
Nurture the parent-teen relationship by making time for family-centered activities. Family mealtimes and outings are wonderful opportunities to connect and communicate with your teen. Let her know she can always come to you to talk or ask questions.
Step 7
Accept the fact that your teenager will make mistakes. Adolescence is a time to make independent decisions and try new things. Do not expect your teen to be perfect and always act the way you believe he should. Some mistakes will have natural consequences that may show your teen he made the wrong choice. You should discipline your teenager fairly and avoid put-downs or calling him names.
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