Help Build a Positive Self-Concept in Your Teen or Adolescent
Having a positive self-image is a major key to success throughout life. That's something we all know, but, we also know that it's generally easier said than done.
“I'm pretty awesome!” isn't generally a mindset we're able to fully embrace 100% of the time. It's normal for our self-esteem to ebb and flow. As adults, we're used to these alternating feelings of positivity and negativity, and we can roll with the punches, typically bouncing back unscathed.
It's a different story for children, though, especially for adolescents and teenagers.
Self-esteem in teenagers and adolescents
For this demographic, self-esteem is a particularly delicate and loaded subject.
Young people are often dealing with issues of deflated self-worth and self-image, and these feelings can be quite long-lasting and devastating to their psyche . Add in hormonal swings that are par for the course at these ages, and helping your child feel good about themselves can seem like a losing battle.
What does a positive self-concept and healthy self-esteem look like for a teenager?
If you're concerned about your child's self-esteem, there are some behaviors that you can look out for. A child or teen with high self-esteem will be able to :
- Act independently
- Assume responsibility for his or her actions
- Take pride in their accomplishments
- Tolerate the frustrations of life
- Attempt new tasks and challenges without paralyzing fear
- Handle positive and negative emotions as they manifest
- Offer assistance to others
On the other hand, a child with low self-esteem will:
- Avoid trying new things out of fear of failure
- Feel unloved and unwanted
- Blame others for their own shortcomings, failing to accept personal responsibility
- Feel, or pretend to feel, emotionally indifferent
- Be unable to tolerate a normal level of frustration
- Engage in negative self-talk about their own talents and abilities
- Be easily influenced by outside influences
Self-esteem counseling and therapy for teenagers and adolescents
As a parent, you're keenly aware of your responsibility to help your teen develop a healthy self-image that will set them up for success throughout their life. Sometimes, you need a little extra help getting through to them, though.
If you think your child needs some additional support around self-esteem issues, please give Foundations Counseling a call and set up a free consultation .
