YOUR FAMILY’S HEALTH
By Phara L. Morame, LCSW, MCAP, Healthcare Network
How to Build Self-Esteem in Children & Teens
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nderstanding our own self-esteem can have practical significance. But what exactly is self-esteem? Self-esteem is an individual’s overall sense of personal value and self-worth or, simply, the measure of how much we like ourselves. Psychologist Carl Jung acknowledged that a vital part of what contributes to self-esteem is early experiences, which supports the important role that parents play in the development of positive intrinsic sense of self. Today, children and teens are at higher risk for developing identity crisis, confusion, and self-esteem problems more than ever. Factors that negatively influence self-esteem include: peers, bullying, constant negative feedback, socioeconomic status, immigrant parents who do not speak the local language, parents with substance use problem or severe mental illness, and pressure from social media. Research also found a strong correlation between low
self-esteem and puberty, due to changes such as acne, vocal pitch, and weight changes contributing to poor self-acceptance or self-love (Schaffhuser, Kathrin; Allemand, Mathias; and Schwarz, Beate, 2017). Low self-esteem can lead to: • Giving in to peer pressure • Joining a gang • Poor academic performance • Drugs and alcohol abuse • Trouble with the law • Promiscuity • Depression • Anxiety • Eating disorders Challenges In a fast-paced world, the daily demands of life can pull parents in all different directions, requiring time and energy they often don’t have. When these demands grow out of control, they may lead to stress leaving parents emotionally unavailable and exhausted. To raise confident and psychologically healthy children/ teens, parents must be present physically and emotionally. Once a person has developed a positive self-concept, that person is likely to exhibit behaviors that are consistent with that self-concept (Osborne, Randall E., Salem Press Encyclopedia of Health, 2021). Tips for parents/caretakers Be available. It is important for parents to have an open-door policy. If parents are unavailable, children will find someone who will listen and they may not be an ideal role model. Access to parents can boost self-esteem and set the stage for a healthy transition
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NEAPOLITANfamily • May 2022