May is National Teen Self Esteem Month! This month, we want to help raise awareness of the importance of ensuring that our teens are self-aware and that they feel confident about themselves. Self-esteem is crucial to their physical and mental wellness and we want to make sure we are doing everything we can to support them in whatever way they need.

The teenage years are known for being a difficult time in a young person’s life. In addition to the given physical, hormonal, and emotional changes they are dealing with, teens often have the added pressures of social changes, new relationships, increased educational expectations, peer pressure, and pressure of societal standards thanks to media and oftentimes, parents. Checking in on teens and ensuring that they are being fully supported and nurtured is a great place to start, whether they are family or friends.

Self-esteem is often easy to damage and difficult to repair. Due to the added difficulties that come with being a teen, it is highly understandable that teenagers can be particularly fragile. There are many ways that we can engage more positively with teenagers and there are some really simple ways that we can help promote positive self-esteem. If you are a parent, family member, or friend of someone who may be struggling with this, consider the following actions. You may notice, that these actions do not have to be limited just to teens, and can offer a path to more positive relationships with other people in your life as well.

The easiest place to start is leading by example by avoiding negative self-talk and criticism. Focus on having open lines of communication and ensure that you can be trusted. Give them space, listen to them, and take interest in their developing lives.