Encouraging Self-Worth in Teens

It likely goes without saying but one of the reasons that teens find trouble is because they don't feel good about themselves. They are search for some sort of validation and a sense of belonging - no matter who it comes from. Sometimes the easiest source of validation comes from their friends and they are much easier to impress by doing something we don't approve of.

So how can we encourage self-worth in our teens? That answer is going to be different for everyone because every teen is different and has different interests. The key is getting them to focus on it.

My daughter (who is almost 14 and has been filled with challenges!) is good at sports. So, I've encouraged her to sign up for any sport she is interested in. So far the only one that has stuck has been basketball. But that's ok because several times a week she is busy with practice or games. She gets to hang out with a group of girls that aren't doing drugs or drinking (at the time anyway) and they have something to focus on. She also has a great coach that encourages and inspires them and talks to them about things other than basketball.

A couple of years ago we also found out that she was a very good writer. And she enjoys doing it. So, to encourage her to write more I'm going to be buying her stories and yes, you will see them here. I'm also opening it up to other teens - her friends - the inspire them to find something they are good at. As a writer I know that getting paid for something you do can be one of the greatest highs ever and I want them to see that.

I also think that in order to understand teens you need to know what they really think. It's good to hear what they have to say - even if you don't like it very much. So, part of this blog is going to be writing from teens on the subjects that they want to write about and things we want to know about.

With that in mind, I'm going to ask anyone who reads them to keep in mind that sharing the stuff that they write about is not easy for them. And you might not like what they have to say. But they are writing from the heart. They are sharing. And we are learning. So if you have something negative to say, keep it to yourself. If you have something constructive to say, good. But don't tear them down and tell them that they are horrible people. They aren't - they are developing people that are growing and trying to figure out who they really are.

So, watch for the first teen written article on shoplifting!