Adolescence is a tough time for any person. The innocence of childhood is stripped away and you still can’t grasp the inner workings of adulthood. All you know is you feel more alone than you ever have before. Thankfully, puberty doesn’t last forever and before you know it, you’ve made it through the growing pains. You learn, get a job, and experience the world to become the amazing person you are today. You even become a parent and begin to raise a miniature version of yourself. But what happens when you witness your pride and joy struggling with their self-esteem?
It can be especially heartbreaking to witness your child go through the phase of low self-esteem during adolescence. But what can you do to help them during this time?
First and foremost, what any person needs when they feel insecurity is some space and time to gather their thoughts. Always let your child know that you are there for them when or if they want to talk. However, do not push them to express themselves before they are ready. Oftentimes children feel as though they are being pushed to do many things too quickly for their liking. By giving them time to think, you are showing them that you respect their autonomy.
Remember they are going through a hard time and, because they are still children, this can cause them to act irrationally. They are prone to bursts of anger or sadness. They may say things that will in turn anger you or even hurt your feelings. However, keep in mind that this is just a phase, a cycle of life, and that they don’t truly mean to hurt you. When they feel this anger you should give them an outlet (perhaps through art or physical activity) to express it. By committing to these activities together you are showing your child that they can express themselves to you. You strengthen your bond and let them know that they don’t have to fear repercussions for their feelings.
Whether your child is insecure about their appearance, intelligence, or even their physical prowess, the most important thing they need is to know you’re there for them. Check out the Strength in Mind: Coaching Your Child to Overcome Anxiety and Build Healthy Self-Esteem course on www.impactelearn.com to learn more about this topic!