The teenage years are often a very volatile phase of life. Teens are often stuck in an in-between world. They’re neither children nor adults. They’re adjusting to both physical and mental changes. Moods, behaviours, and relationships may swing up and down daily or even hourly. Needless to say, for many teens, this is a confusing time!Â
Along with usual confusion, this is often a time when many teens struggle with periods of low self-esteem. Estimates say that up to half of adolescents struggle with low self-esteem. Low self-esteem can lead your teen to avoid situations where they think there’s the risk of failure, embarrassment, or making mistakes. These can involve school work, making friends, and trying new activities, which are all essential parts of a healthy teenage life.
 When teens have a strong sense of self, they’re not afraid to try new things. They feel equipped to take responsibility for their lives. This allows them to take pride in their decisions and accomplishments, too. By helping our teens to develop healthy self-esteem, we support their inner strength and confidence and help them learn from their failures.Â
Cindy MacCormack is a life and wellness coach for teens and young adults. Cindy is a certified life, health, and mastery coach, and a graduate of the specialised teen coaching program Teen Wisdom Inc as well as a graduate and certified trainer of the CIJ Clarity Catalyst program for adults and teens. Cindy has over 15 years of experience in the wellness arena as a personal trainer, fitness instructor, and baby fitness mompreneur and is the proud mom of two amazing teens.Here are five strategies you can use daily to boost your teen’s self-esteem, by Cindy MacCormack.   Â
Take the time to talk with your teen
While you may think your teen doesn’t want to talk to you, it’s still important to ensure they know you’re available. Just knowing you’re there for them makes a big difference. When you spend time with your teens, you communicate that they are important, which goes a long way in developing their self-esteem. Teens who have parents that make time for them and know their parents love them unconditionally fare much better when life gets difficult than those who lack this connection.
Be a positive role model for your teen
Believe it or not, your teen is watching you. They observe how you manage challenging situations and how you feel about yourself. Set an example with a positive attitude towards yourself and others. Your teen will learn the most about confidence based on what you do—not what you say. Role model how to face new situations with courage and faith and demonstrate the importance of loving yourself.
Help your teen set goals and celebrate when they reach them
Start with small, attainable goals they can achieve in a short time. Setting specific, measurable goals and working towards achieving them will boost their feelings of self-worth and increase their confidence. When they reach the goal, celebrate with them! And when it takes longer than expected to reach their goal, keep encouraging them. Show them that taking definitive action to achieve their goal is just as important as reaching it.
Praise your teen – but do it wisely
Your praise is a way to show that you’re proud. But some forms of praising kids can backfire when teens tie their achievements to their self-esteem. Avoid focusing praise only on results (such as getting an A) or fixed qualities (such as being smart or athletic). Instead, offer most of your praise for their effort, progress, and attitude. Encourage them to do their best and be proud of them when they do. With this kind of praise, teens tend to put more effort into things, work toward goals, and try harder. And when they do that, they’re more likely to succeed, which reinforces their efforts in a positive manner.
Encourage your teen to do things they are good at and that they enjoy.What happens when you do things that you are good at? Your confidence and self-esteem start to soar. It could be any activity, club, or organization. Their strengths will become even more robust, which helps improve their belief in themselves. When teens have areas where they feel confident, this attitude will carry over into other areas of life.Â
 A teen’s self-esteem can be fragile. As with anyone, teens will have good and bad days. But don’t get discouraged. Teach your teen that learning to deal with disappointment, criticism, and challenges is an important life skill. Talk to your teen about how important it is to know they’re still a great person worthy of love and affection, no matter what life may throw their way. Your teen will go through mood swings, but with time and love, they’ll emerge as a strong, confident, and resilient adult.
