Being a teenager isn't always easy. While some say these are the best years of a person's life, this is an awkward and rather difficult phase. It's a time when adolescents start to doubt themselves more than ever and may begin lacking self-confidence, often persuaded by others due to peer pressure. Knowing how to boost self-confidence in a teenager can make all the difference, ultimately shaping these young, maturing minds and helping them grow into responsible, mature adults with executive functioning skills that will help them get through life. If you don't know how to begin helping teens with self-esteem, check out this list of the five most effective ways to build confidence in teenagers.
#1. Lead by Example with a Positive Mindset
One effective way to boost self-confidence in a teenager is to lead by example by being more optimistic and seeing the good in everything. For example, when your teen comes home after a bad day and begins complaining, listen to them and try to understand that their feelings are valid, but then try to see the silver lining in the situation. Don't just encourage them to see the good in negative situations – do the same thing when you're having a bad day or something goes wrong and you're feeling a bit upset. The positive mindset will rub off on them, boosting their self-confidence.
#2. Focus on Helping Teens Improve Their Executive Functioning Skills
Look into confidence building activities for teenagers that will help them improve their executive functioning skills. These skills include knowing how to control impulsive behaviors, thinking outside the box, being self-aware, and having greater control over their emotions, all of which are important in the real world.
Confidence building activities for teenagers are as simple as having a gratitude journal, participating in sports, or even socializing with new people. In addition, you can find different ways to encourage and motivate your teen to become better at listening, communicating, and building personal relationships with others, including their family, friends, and peers.
#3. Be the Support System Teens Need
Being supportive is one of the best things you can do to boost self-confidence in a teenager. For example, if they tell you they're interested in a specific sport or hobby, encourage them to try it, even if you don't think they will stick with it. Let your teen know that you believe they can accomplish anything they set their mind to, no matter how out of reach it might seem. Most importantly, if something doesn't work out for them, continue to be supportive, acting as a shoulder for them to lean on during their most frustrating and demanding days.
#4. Encourage Daily Positive Affirmations
Positive affirmations are a must for helping teens with self-esteem. You can even recite these positive phrases together, saying, "I'm strong and intelligent. I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. I'm loved and cared about by the people in my life." Simple phrases like these are a helpful reminder to teens that they are amazing, even if they don't always feel that way.
#5. Offer Praise for Hard Work and Consistency
In some cases, teens only receive praise when they do something well, such as winning an award or getting a good grade on a test. But don't just celebrate the wins. Instead, start celebrating consistency and effort. Even if your teen doesn't get the best grade or doesn't win an award, let them know you're proud of how hard they're working and how much effort they're putting into everything they wish to accomplish. It will keep them motivated and give them the confidence boost they need.
These are some of the most effective ways to help teens build confidence and self-esteem. Taking the right approach to encourage and inspire these young minds can have a lasting impact on them. If your teen needs extra assistance with confidence building, a coach can provide the guidance and support they need. Schedule a discovery call with Walk Forward Coaching today to get started!
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