How to Build Self Confidence in Teenagers
Self confidence is directly related to how a teenager feels about herself. If she feels good about her abilities, her confidence is usually high. However, if a teenager does not value herself, self confidence may decrease. It is possible to help your teenager build self confidence by helping her see her true value, providing guidance and a nurturing environment.
Instructions
Work with your teenager to identify her strengths. Help her to notice the things she does well. While every child may not excel at football, some may be great musicians, writers, communicators, leaders, public speakers or skilled in certain school subjects. For example, focus on your teen's altruistic nature if she likes helping others through volunteer work. Help her to recognize that she is valuable and help her explore ways that she can expand upon her strengths. Nurture your child by providing a safe home environment. Be available when your child needs to discuss a problem. Advocate for her at school if she is experiencing problems. When children feel safe and secure at home, they may feel more confident going out into the world. Accept your child for who she is without judgment whenever possible. Teenagers are trying to decipher who they are and may go through a variety of stages or phases. By accepting your child, you are sending the message that you love her unconditionally even when she fails. Children who are loved and accepted generally have more self confidence than those who don't. Allow your child to fail at times even though this may be very difficult for a parent. When teens are allowed to experience failure, disappointment, criticism from others or loss, they generally grow as a result. However, they must be allowed the opportunity to experience the emotion and inwardly deal with it. When your teenager experiences these types of situations, be supportive but allow her the space to make sense of her situation and address it herself. Allow your child to learn how to make good decisions. When a teenager is faced with a decision, her self confidence can soar if she makes the right choice. Perhaps you can allow your teenager to make all her clothing or nutrition decisions and only guide her if the choices become unacceptable. For instance, let your teen wear whatever type of clothing she chooses but interject if she makes a choice that goes against school policy. This will help her to become comfortable with the decision making process and be more confident as she learns to make better choices.