Your Role as the Reinforcer of Your Teen’s Self-Esteem

Parents are unable to build their child’s self-esteem for them. Children do this themselves. But the parent’s role as a ‘reinforcer’ of their self-esteem is critical. Without you in this role, your child would be unable to build a healthy self-esteem. That is not to say that children without parents cannot attain a healthy self-esteem – they can. But, it takes much more effort and is harder on these children.

Here is a listing of your duties as your child’s reinforcer:

• Be a positive role model. Show off your accomplishments and admit to your mistakes. Be realistic about your abilities and keep trying.
• Praise often and well. Remember not to praise for praise itself. Just keep on the lookout for things that took effort on your child’s part and praise it.
• Build a safe and nurturing environment. Make smiles and laughter a part of everyday life. Remember that a child needs to feel safe and secure in order to work on his self-esteem.
• Offer those choices. Remember a choice is never too small as they all take decision-making skills and boast self-esteem.
• Help in determining and breaking down their goals into accomplishable tasks.
• Keep your expectations realistic.