Self-confidence is something either she has or hasn’t.
For a long time many people thought: You are confident or you are not. But luckily it isn’t that way. It is a skill that can be developed and nurtured. Neuroplasticity - the brains capability to rewire and create new ways of thinking, ensures that with the right experiences and thoughts, confidence can grow. When they feel confident, they are more likely to try new things, speak up, and deal with tough situations. This makes it easier for them to grow, learn, and make friends.
A survey found that teenagers with higher self-confidence levels are 28% more likely to report success in school and personal relationships.
Understanding the root causes of their low self-esteem is the first step. The teenage years bring about a lot of changes - from physical and hormonal shifts to new social environments and relationships, which can all impact how they see themselves.
As a parent we want to support our daughter to provide an environment in which she can develop this.
Source:
The University of Queensland.
Exercise
Helping your daughter navigate through their self-esteem issues is important for their happiness and health. Here are some strategies to support your teen:
.png)
build her self- confidene
01
Stimulate decision making
Teens often hesitate over choices, preferring to let others decide for them. Encourage them to make decisions, from selecting their dinner to deciding what to watch on TV. This builds their confidence in their judgment and shows you trust their decisions, reinforcing their self-esteem as they learn to stand by their choices.
02
Value their opinions
Disagreements are common, but listen and consider your daughter's viewpoints. This respect for their thoughts fosters independent thinking, crucial for her transition to adulthood. Showing understanding even in disagreement encourages more mature discussions and validates her perspectives.
03
Compliments
Your response to compliments can influence your teen's ability to accept praise. Demonstrate ease in receiving compliments without making them smaller. Creating an environment where compliments are given and received encourages a positive self-image and confidence.
04
Celebrate effort over result
We live in a world focused on results. Instead of that approach, try to focus on the effort. Acknowledging their dedication to try teaches them that the attempt is valuable, even if it doesn't always lead to success. This approach helps build resilience and the courage to face challenges.
05
Lead by example
Teens mimic adult behavior, so show the confidence you hope to see in them. Avoid self-criticism and practice positive self-talk. Encourage your teen to appreciate their own strengths and qualities without comparing themselves to others. Implementing positive self-talk in daily routines, like sharing achievements at dinner, can reinforce self-esteem.
