“Teenagers with high levels of connectedness to parents, family members and teachers, and more frequent parental presence in the home, are less likely to use drugs, attempt suicide or become sexually active at an early age.” - A US National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent Health has some important news for parents of teenagers.
In teenagers, self esteem is a crucial factor in how well they manage the transition from childhood to adulthood. As they become more independent, their sense of self worth will determine their behavior. Teens with poor self esteem are more vulnerable to peer pressure and more likely to have depressive reactions, eating disorders and addiction problems.
dolescent self esteem also has an important influence on educational and career path decisions. Unfortunately, many teenagers who are bright and competent sell themselves short, withdrawing from academic or vocational success. The reason? Low self esteem.
We said earlier that self esteem begins at an early age. However, it is important that we continue to build our children's self esteem right through the critical teenage years.
Helping Teenagers Cope
Be a good model for your teenagers in what you do and what you avoid doing.
Show them the value of thinking and acting independently. You don't have to do something because everyone else is doing it.
Demonstrate respect for your children's lives and show concern by being a good listener. Be sincere, ask questions, and use a touch or a look for encouragement.
Be aware of how your own use of alcohol can influence children. Your children will notice how much you drink and why.
Talk honestly about stress and conflict in your own life. Children need to know that such struggles are a normal part of life.
Show that spending time with your children is something you value and look forward to. If you are too tired or too busy, they're likely to imitate your behavior.
Make parenting a priority. Be there for your teenagers!
Love and respect are the most important aspects of parenting, and of all relationships.
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