As a parent, it is natural to worry about your child. Of course, you want the world for them and would do everything in your power to provide it. That is why it can be such a struggle when your child becomes a teenager. All of a sudden, you aren’t just protecting your youngster from outside influences, you are also protecting them from themselves. This is especially true if your teenager struggles with low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. If you are determined to help them deal with these issues, you should work your way through the following four steps.
Shower them with compliments
The first step is to shower your teen with compliments. Even if they shrug off your praise, over time your words are sure to have a positive effect. You might be surprised by the impact a few kind words can have on someone who is struggling to feel good about themselves. Just make sure that your compliments are genuine. Instead of opting for generic comments, you should try to be as specific as possible. You should also avoid making reference to any areas that you teen is sensitive about. If you are determined to push forward with this plan, why not go all out and create a self-love jar?
Don’t dismiss their insecurities
Although it is important that you build up the confidence of your teen, it is also important that you don’t dismiss their insecurities. Otherwise, you will be forcing them to suffer in silence. That is why you should listen closely whenever your teen is discussing their insecurities. Don’t just jump in with your own comments, give them the chance to talk things through. You might even find that you can provide a solution. For instance, if your teen feels self-conscious about their teeth, you could arrange a consultation at Smiles of Bellevue. There will be some things that your teen can’t change about themselves, but when it comes to rectifiable issues such as their smile, it is important to be proactive.
Limit their use of social media
The next step is to limit your teen’s use of social media. In this digital age, it is unlikely that you will be able to shield your youngster from the online world completely. However, you should be aiming to have plenty of frank discussions about its effects. You need to make sure that your teen understands the false reality that is being portrayed online by social media influencers and celebrities. You should also try to direct them towards positive role models who are more open about their flaws and insecurities.
Move beyond the superficial
Once you have completed the above steps, you should encourage your teen to move beyond the superficial. While it is natural that they will care about their appearance and their possessions, it is vital that they understand how much more is going on in the world. If you would like to teach your teen this lesson, you should get them involved with community projects and charity work. You should also place more of an emphasis on their personality, as opposed to their superficial features.