How to Make Your Teenage Daughter Feel Good About Herself
The teenage years can be rife with struggle as adolescents take on first jobs, get involved in the dating world and prepare for their futures. Several influences can play a role in how a teenage daughter feels about herself during this time, including how her parents treat her. Though you may not be able to eliminate all of the circumstances that can cause low self-esteem in a teenage girl, you might be able to positively influence her self-perception.
Instructions
Ask your daughter how she feels about herself - and why. Does she feel poorly about herself because of her grades, her appearance or her social life? Parents can remind daughters of their positive traits and correct any misconceptions they have about themselves to boost their self-esteem, according to the Center for Young Women's Health. Keep criticism of your daughter constructive. Limiting criticism can also be helpful, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Rather than focusing on your daughter's mistakes in the past, encourage her to work harder to accomplish her goals in the future. Encourage her to make improvements and set goals for her life. If she is unhappy about her appearance, encouraging regular exercise and healthful eating may help her feel better about herself, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Praise your daughter frequently, but parents should ensure that the praise is honest and deserved, according to KidsHealth. Complimenting your daughter too frequently may make your comments feel hollow. To boost her self-esteem, help your daughter find groups and organizations where she is most likely to express her talents. Whether she volunteers for charities, fosters a rescued pet, joins a community theater or tutors other students at school; getting involved can help a daughter feel better about herself, according to the Center for Young Women's Health. Give your daughter the opportunity to have responsibility. Feeling capable and competent can help teenagers build healthy self-esteem. Get the help of a mental health professional, like a counselor or family therapist, if your daughter continues struggling with self-esteem. Some teenagers might not be able to build healthy self-esteem without the help of a professional.