How to Build Your Teen's Self-Esteem—5 Tips for Parents

A teenager's life isn't easy. They have constant access to social media, which can make them feel like they're nowhere near as cool as their peers. They compete to excel in academics, sports, and even to find friends they vibe with. Overcoming these hurdles can seem monumental. It's hard to have positive self-esteem when you never feel quite good enough!

You want your child to feel confident and to know that they are always good enough.

Of course, you want your child to feel confident and to know that they are always good enough. Helping them cultivate a strong self-image means they'll grow and thrive in all areas of life, both now and in the future. But helping them find that confidence isn't always easy! Many teens not only struggle to find acceptance in the outside world but also (and maybe more so!) within themselves.

5 ways to boost your teen's self-esteem

Give them responsibilities

Let your teen know just how capable you think they are by trusting them with responsibilities.

As a working mom, I rely on help with meals. My kids know they'll be starting dinner on the days I get home late. They understand the benefits we all receive when I work extra hours. By sharing the responsibilities of weekly dinners, my teens know I'm counting on them. I value their participation and so does the rest of the family.

Communicating your needs is key. When your young adult knows he's fulfilling an important role, his self-esteem will grow.

Encourage them to become problem solvers

Kids develop self-esteem by doing things that are hard for them. Babies learn to crawl and then walk. Young children learn to tie their shoes, ride a bicycle, and read. As parents, we cheer on these milestone events. As they grow, kids continue to master new skills, leaving them with a great sense of pride. These accomplishments help build a foundation for strong self-esteem. (Not to mention, problem-solving skills ranked third out of 16 in The Harvard Business Review’s study on successful leaders.)

Our job as parents is not to solve everything for our kids—it's to teach them how to find their own solutions.

Kids face daily challenges. They navigate peer pressure, meet school deadlines, and learn new skills to be part of a sports team. Our job as parents is not to solve everything for them; it's to teach them how to find their...

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