Self-esteem issues in adolescence: how to help

Adolescence is a time of changes and transitions suffered by both the youth and the adults who are in charge. During this phase of life, one's identity is formed and, consequently, self-esteem is a conditioning factor in the way in which this evolution is experienced.

In this article we will talk about self-esteem problems in adolescence and on how we can prevent them from the home or the circles close to them.

• Related article: "Low selfsteem? When you become your worst enemy"

Self-esteem and adolescents

If something characterizes the stage of adolescence, it is its complexity. The passage from childhood to adulthood is accompanied by great changes at all levels: personal, social, family and academic.

The way in which the adolescent faces and resolves these changes will be highly conditioned by her self-esteem. Which will play an important role in managing these events as well as will be affected by how they are managed.

It is a time when young people experience a great need to be attractive to others and to be socially accepted, so interpersonal relationships play a huge role in shaping of

selfconcept.

Being part of a clan or social group is essential for the formation of one's own identity, so it will have a direct impact on the adolescent's level of self-esteem.

• You may be interested: "The 3 stages of adolescence"

The construction of one's own identity

It is in this same stage in which the degree of self-esteem that the person possesses, can condition, both positively and negatively, relationships with others. In other words, a young person with low self-esteem will be more likely to experience a series of difficulties in terms of using her social skills; On the other hand, an adolescent with high self-esteem has a confidence that makes it easier for him to relate to others.

It is usual that during the adolescent period, the self-esteem of both boys and girls is not excessively high, since any event, however tiny it may seem from the outside, can alter it significantly.

Any physical trait or condition that may be perceived as unattractive or unattractive, such as body hair or acne, when Like the feeling of not being accepted or understood, it is capable of reducing the quality of the young person's self-esteem deeply.

Due, the construction of one's own identity may be affected, since this occurs throughout adolescence. A young person with low or fragile self-esteem may be afraid to show himself as he is, since the fear of rejection is always present at this stage. So it is very likely that he forges a first identity according to the pressures or expectations of the rest of his peers.

How to prevent self-esteem problems in adolescence

Although the development of self-esteem is a personal job that the adolescent must do on their own, from home a number of techniques or tactics can be carried out to help you and pave the way towards building love own self.

Next, we provide a series of tips or recommendations for those parents, family or friends who do not know how help teens improve their self-esteem.

1. Make sure the home is a safe environment

Due to the need for acceptance, the adolescent may experience great insecurity in certain environments such as school or institute and the group of friends. Therefore, it is necessary for him to perceive that, at least in his home, he has the security that he needs.

The home must become a space of trust, in which the person can perceive that she is esteemed as she is. Communication at home must be smooth and secure. That is, the adolescent must know that he can share her feelings without being judged.

Therefore, the mission of those who live under the same roof as the adolescent is to create a safe and appropriate environment that facilitates communication.

2. Sincere and natural communication

The amount of communication between family members is just as important as the quality of it. Since through these exchanges of personal information, the adolescent will be able to perceive his family as a support and a trusted resource.

Active listening, patience and the right advice, are key to help strengthen the self-esteem of young people.

Although it is common during this stage that young people tend to reject the advice of their parents, it is necessary that they know how to gain the trust of their children and that the advice does not acquire a mandatory tone, but that they are natural and spontaneous.

• You may be interested: "Active listening: the key to communicating with others"

3. Praise and compliment

It is an unconscious but quite common mistake not to praise or congratulate others every time something is achieved or when they do something well. In addition to praising achievements, it is also necessary praise the efforts made despite not having achieved something.

Adolescence is a time when many mistakes are made. However, these cannot overshadow your other achievements or efforts to achieve your own goals.

It is difficult for the adolescent to feel that her parents are really happy with them and on some occasions they may perceive these compliments as false. To avoid this, praise must be given at the right time and in proportion to the effort or goal achieved.

4. Criticism, always constructive

In cases where the adolescent makes a mistake or it is necessary to make a judgment about her behavior, criticism can be used. But always from a constructive point of view and never in an offensive or outrageous way.

The adolescent needs to know what she has done wrong, as well as why she is criticized and how she can improve. Making a criticism or negative judgment without foundation or explanation will only cause a decrease in her self-esteem.

5. Set limits and rules

The establishment of norms and rules at home favors the development of a sense of responsibility and consequently increases and strengthens self-esteem. Nevertheless, these rules need to be realistic and flexible, otherwise they may lead to more conflict at home.

6. Always consider the adolescent's opinion

The need to feel integrated is also transferred to the family environment. Include the adolescent's opinion in household decisions will make you feel like you are part of something and you will perceive that it is important for family dynamics.

Adolescents enjoy when they are treated as adults, for which asking for their opinion or any suggestion will be a compliment that will have a positive impact on their self-esteem.

7. Stimulate interests and hobbies

Supporting children's interests, hobbies, or hobbies, as well as encouraging non-regulated activities outside of school, is of the utmost importance for the development of self-esteem.

A teenager who perceives that her parents support him in what she likes she is much more likely to achieve satisfactory results and to succeed in what she likes. This will strengthen her self-esteem and promote self-acceptance.

8. Advise on personal care and hygiene

If there is something that characterizes the age of adolescence, they are hormonal changes and the consequences they have on the body. This, together with the concern they usually have for their personal appearance can cause big headaches in them.

Therefore, giving advice in a cautious and gentle way about body hygiene, grooming and clothing will be extremely helpful, they will feel more secure and will strengthen their self-esteem.