A low self esteem in teenagers can often lead to more serious problems such as drug abuse. Parenting during the teen years is the most challenging time for parents, and yet it is so important. Here is some advice for parents to help build self esteem in teens.
Low self-esteem is one of the major risk factors for drug abuse. The success of
drug addiction prevention programs in many cases is based on building up of
one?s self-esteem. A successful drug addiction prevention programs simply follow
the desire of the addict to feel good, wanted, superior or at least adequate and
then transfers this desire from the quick gratification level that is so
prevalent with drugs, and instead replaces it with the longer lasting build up
of self esteem, self worth, and self acceptance. Self-esteem cannot be found in
a bottle, but it may be found in the fight against it! The secret to success is
the gradual replacement of an undesirable habit with a desirable
one.

Self-esteem is the disposition to experience oneself as being
competent to cope with the basic challenges of life and of being worthy of
happiness. It is confidence in the efficacy of our mind, in our ability to
think. Self-esteem is personal view of oneself physically, mentally, and
emotionally. Everyone has a different view of themselves, but keeping a positive
outlook will benefit more than a negative one. Many people suffer from low
self-esteem for a variety of reasons and need to build it in order to succeed in
life. The only person who can build up-or consequentially tear down-your self
esteem is you. Self-esteem is the value an adolescent applies to the
self-concept. The teen then develops self-esteem from this self-image. Low
self-esteem or low levels of social confidence, assertiveness, personal control
and self-efficacy is a risk factor for a teen to initiate into drug
addiction.

Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to stress, and are
easily influenced by those with whom they spend the most of their time. These
truths, combined with immature reasoning and judgment means that teenagers are
prone to distortions in their self-image and are likely to have at least
somewhat unrealistic estimations of their own capacities. As a parent, you want
your child has every advantage in life. Most importantly, perhaps, is that you
want your child to grow up to be confident, responsible, and successful. But, it
doesn?t happen overnight and it takes quite a bit of effort from the parents in
grooming their child?s Self-Esteem.

There are ways in which parents can
help there teens in fostering their self-esteem:

? Give them a clear set
of rules to follow: Children no matter what age respond best to clear
instructions.

? Balance criticism with Acknowledgements: Pay attention on
the positive rather only on negatives.

? Let them some decisions on their
own: They will learn good decision making skills

? If they make there
decisions on their own.

? Always be in contact with them: Be ready to
talk with your teens about their problems and issues they are facing.

?
Bridge the Space between your dreams and your Childs dream.

Warmth,
companionship and acceptance of the teen?s perspective are thought to facilitate
healthy development in adolescents.

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