Anybody who has ever had a teenager in their house, knows the difficult time they go through during the transition phase where they are neither child nor adult. During this time they need to adjust to numerous physical and mental changes and are sometimes very fragile during this period. However if you take the time and effort to boost your teen while they are going through this transition, your chances of having a well adjusted adult on the other end of the process increase dramatically.
We need to realize that this transitional stage which we refer to as the teen years is even more difficult for our teens than it is for us and it is the way we choose to deal with it that will determine how they emerge on the other side. They are busy learning to deal with new found emotions, hormonal changes and self discovery and in the process are still looking to you as parent for the recognition and support which they need.
One very definite part of their development at this stage is that of their self-esteem and this can either be developed positively by you giving them the positive boost they need or broken down in seconds by a few misdirected or negative comments which are made.
It is your responsibility as parent to guide and mould your teens self-esteem to the best of your ability so as to encourage a positive mindset, that of a Wealth Creator, in your teen from an early age so as to help them to learn that they can become whatever they want in life through being able to have a positive and vibrant mindset no matter what life might throw at them.
Here are a few ways which might help you to be able to boost your teen and help them to develop a better self-esteem in life and greatly improve their chances of becoming a successful and functional adult, someone who knows how to have a life of abundance and harmony, in other words, a life filled with happiness and Kaizen Wealth.
1. Healthy body and mind – In modern day society, it is so easy for our teens to fall into the rut of modern convenience and become couch potatoes, however this is the last thing which will boost their self-esteem.
Encourage your teen to eat healthy foods and get enough exercise as the better shape they are in, the easier it becomes for them to feel good about themselves. Teach them the value of feeling good about themselves and be sure they notice that you care about their health.
2. Lead by example – We are all aware that sometimes teens might seem a bit distant as they start to want to develop their own independence, but believe it or not, they are still looking at you as an example even if it is not that evident.
Be sure that the example which you are setting for them is a positive one as they are still watching your every move so as to find your strengths which they can employ in their own lives. If you are an action taker and are able to accept responsibility for your own actions at the same time, then they will begin to mimic this and make it part of their own lives, so the more you are able to lead by example, the better the chances are for your teen.
3. Always communicate with your teen – Now this may be easier said than done as we all know how difficult it can be to get your teen to communicate sometimes, but don’t let this become a divide between the two of you. Always be calm and rational and allow them to know that you understand what they are going through and that your door is always open should they want to talk.
The secret to communication with a teen lies within your ability to be an active listener, Very often a teen with esteem issues feels that nobody is willing to take the time or put in the effort to actually listen to what it is that they are saying. Allow them to finish what it is that they have to say without judging them and then ask them questions about what it was that they were saying.
4. Be the cheerleader – Be aware of the interests of your teenager and encourage them to further their interests, help them to join clubs, discussion groups, sports clubs or whatever it is that will help them to further develop and enjoy what it is that they are interested in, this way they will see that they have your backing and that you want them to be the best they can be in their field of interest.
By allowing them to determine where they focus their energy, you will be teaching them a vital mindset and that they are capable of succeeding in anything in life which they put their mind to. Allowing them this freedom and supporting it is a great way to boost your teen and their self-esteem.
5. Teach your teen the importance of goal setting and its rewards – Instill the mindset in your teen of being able to set their own goals and then celebrate with them when they manage to achieve them, in this way they will come to realize the benefit of setting and achieving goals which is a major benefit if you want them to be able to effectively have a positive and beneficial mindset of a Wealth Creator.
Should it take them a bit longer to achieve their goals, always remain constant and believe in them, letting them know you are behind them all the way and give them your encouragement constantly. Help them to understand that so long as they are taking action in a positive direction so as to achieve their goals that they will eventually achieve them and they should never give up.
6. Show pride in them – Last but definitely not least, show pride in what they do. Although they might be on the verge of adulthood, your teen is still looking to you for recognition and your ability to give it to them when they do well is vital to their self-esteem. Even if they might not always be in first place in whatever it is they are doing, so long as they are doing their best, be sure give them the recognition they deserve and make it clear to them that you are proud of them.
These are but a few ways by which you will greatly be able to boost your teen and their self-esteem, just remember that a teens self-esteem can take years to build up but it can be broken down in a matter of seconds, it is your responsibility as parent to do everything you can to boost your teen and help them to develop into a productive and positive adult so they too can have a life of abundance and harmony, a life of Kaizen Wealth.
Never give up on your teen and help them to be able to believe in themselves and the rewards which you receive for doing this will far out way some of the frustrations which you and they might experience along the way.