What Parents Can Do
Goodman offers the following tips to parents to help boost their child’s self-esteem:
Give compliments for specific behavior, no empty praise
Avoid comments about looks Involve girls/boys in sports, physical activities
Allow teens to try it their way sometimes, not just your way
Let children try to solve problems on their own – don’t rush in, let them fail sometimes
Help them develop confidence in their own opinions
Pay attention to the non-physical
Expose girls to non-traditional classes/activities – in school, perhaps science class; at home, let her help with the budget; in leisure time, maybe martial arts
Point out role models in non-beauty arenas: sports, science, politics, art
Watch your own comments about others’ body, hair, clothes
Dina Santorelli is a Long Island-based freelance writer and editor. Her website is www.dinasantorelli.com.
amy clark 10/12/11
Self-esteem issues is pretty common to teens. They see magazines want to be like those girls and it just isn't right. Talking to them will help, counselling as well. Boosting their self-esteem and confidence is definitely a more helpful way. Take summer boot camps for example. They help teen boost their confidence and self-worth. Having those traits back will surely help them grow to become a well-rounded adult in the future.
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