Being a teenager can be challenging, and one of the hardest things for many teenagers is maintaining a healthy level of self-esteem.

With social media, peer pressure, and the stress of academic and extracurricular activities, it’s easy for a teenager’s self-image to take a hit. Here are 8 secrets for building your teen’s positive self-esteem.

1. Compliment them on their efforts, not just their achievements

It’s natural to want to congratulate your teen when they accomplish something great, like getting an A on a difficult test or winning a game. However, it’s also important to recognize and praise their hard work and effort.

When your teen puts in a lot of effort and still falls short of their goal, it can be devastating to their self-esteem. If they know that you are proud of their effort, they will feel more confident in trying again next time.

2. Encourage them to pursue their passions

Everyone has something they are passionate about, and encouraging your teen to pursue those passions can help boost their self-esteem.

Whether it’s music, sports, writing, or something else entirely, pursuing something they love can help your teen feel more confident and accomplished. Encourage them to try new things and be supportive of their endeavors.

3. Help them set achievable goals

Setting goals is a great way to build self-esteem, but it’s important that those goals are achievable. Help your teen set realistic goals that are challenging but not impossible.

When they achieve those goals, it can be a huge confidence boost, and it will show them that they are capable of accomplishing great things.

4. Teach them to be confident in their own abilities

A lot of teenagers struggle with self-doubt and insecurities, but helping them learn to trust their own abilities can be a valuable lesson. Encourage them to practice positive self-talk and focus on their strengths rather than their weaknesses.

When they believe in themselves, they will be more willing to take risks and try new things.

5. Model positive self-esteem yourself

As a parent, you are a huge influence on your teen’s self-esteem. If you are constantly putting yourself down or expressing self-doubt, it sends a message to your teen that negative self-talk is okay.

On the other hand, if you model healthy self-esteem by focusing on your strengths and accomplishments, your teen will be more likely to do the same.

6. Encourage them to surround themselves with positive people

It’s important for your teen to surround themselves with people who are positive and supportive. If they are spending time with friends who are constantly putting themselves down or gossiping about others, it can be damaging to their self-esteem.

Encourage your teen to seek out friends who lift them up and make them feel good about themselves.

7. Teach them to take care of their mental and physical health

Taking care of mental and physical health is important for overall well-being, but it can also have a big impact on self-esteem.

Encourage your teen to eat well, exercise, get enough sleep, and practice stress-relieving activities like meditation or yoga. When they feel good about their physical appearance and mental health, they will be more confident in themselves.

8. Be there to support them

Finally, it’s important to be there to support your teen through the ups and downs of adolescence. Let them know that they can come to you with any problems or concerns they have, and that you will be there to support them no matter what.

When they feel loved and supported, it can be a huge boost to their self-esteem.