Self Esteem in Teen

1. Detection can be Difficult

When you are trying to identify low self-esteem in a teen, you may be in for a challenge. A teen's self-esteem goes up and down frequently. This can make detecting low self-esteem difficult because one day you may see some signs of low self-esteem, and the next day that symptom has reversed. When you are trying to identify low self-esteem in a teen, it is important that you consider the signs that are present the majority of the time. If the teen shows even a few signs of low self-esteem, it might be cause for concern.

2. Eyes Everywhere

Teens often act one way at home and another way when they are with their friends. When you are attempting to identify low self-esteem in a teen, you must find out how she acts around her friends. Just because she seems down at home doesn't mean that she is that way with her friends. Finding out how your teen acts around her friends presents a problem for most parents. If you don't want to spy on your teen by following her around, you can consider talking to her friend's parents. If you are close to some of them, tell them that you are concerned about your child's self-esteem. If you aren't close to any of the other parents, you should stick to asking general questions about your teen's attitude.

3. Available Allies

If your teen is in school, you have people who can help you to determine if your teen has low self esteem. Teachers, counselors and other school officials spend a lot of time with your teen. In most cases, these available allies can let you know if they think your teen is at risk for or suffering from low self-esteem. School counselors and many teachers have training in child and adolescent psychology.

4. Signs and Symptoms

A person suffering from low self-esteem will often try to appear busy. This is so that she can keep her mind off of her image. In addition, you should be on the lookout for a sudden drop in grades, loss of interest in activities she once loved, living in the past, a fear of the unknown and a decline in friendships. She may also seem unable to accept her imperfections.

5. The Next Step

If you determine that your teen has low self esteem, you should try to decide what type of help is best in his case. Sometimes, an image makeover helps. To do this you just simply help him to get new clothes and an attitude that he is comfortable with. If his self-esteem is very low, professional help may be needed. In this case, you can talk to the school's guidance counselor to find the help your teen needs.


Casey Holley is a medical writer with more than 10 years of experience in the health and fitness industries. She has worked as a nutrition consultant and has written numerous health and wellness articles, including in-depth features about ulcerative colitis and other gastrointestinal conditions.

Last Updated: May 21, 2008

1. Set Clear-cut Goals

Your teen can benefit greatly when you help her find a particular interest, set an objective and develop a plan for reaching it. She may be drawn to an activity where there are inherent goals, both incremental and ultimate, such as a scouting program, 4-H club, gymnastics or martial arts. You can watch your teen's self esteem soar as she reaches each level on her way to the final accomplishment.

When your child wants to explore something without built-in measures for success, be creative about developing clear-cut goals. Suppose he is interested in robotics or another aspect of science. In this case, you will want to help him define certain steps on the way to becoming an aficionado of the subject. You teen can begin with simple circuitry processes and work his way up to the more complicated designs. Proving to himself that he can accomplish something tangible in a complicated area will naturally boost self-image.

2. Teach Teens to Project Confidence

Has anyone ever told you to put on a brave face and you did just that? Chances are you felt better about the obstacle you were facing simply by bucking up, standing tall and putting on a smile. If you find your insecure teen slouching or frowning, ask her to participate in your little experiment. Though she may be reluctant, gently insist until she complies. Make her practice projecting confidence until it becomes an automatic response.

3. Work on Mind, Body and Soul

Teens have a tough time developing and maintaining a positive image of themselves while in the awkward process of mentally, physically and emotionally growing toward maturity. As a parent, you can ease your child's transition to adulthood by acknowledging and addressing her progress in these three distinct areas. Encourage spiritual growth by getting your teen involved in a community organization that shares her values regarding faith. Promote physical wellbeing by helping your teen find a sport or form of physical exercise that she truly enjoys. Inspire your teen to develop her mental faculties by challenging her to think analytically and logically.


Lisa Mooney holds a biology degree from UNC Charlotte and specializes in writing about stress management, family dynamics, personal relationships, nutrition and pediatric medicine. A survivor of cervical cancer, she credits her health in large part to her family and a positive social network.

Last Updated: May 6, 2008