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Encourage a Good Self-Image

By contributor,
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Experts say self-confident teens are better equipped to resist negative peer pressure. That can help them avoid behavior that can be risky or distract them from their efforts in school.

Teaching these things can help your teen’s self-image:

~Honest communication. Kids must know it’s OK to express their feelings—including anger and fear—without being teased or punished. Be a good listener.
~Cooperation. Well-adjusted kids know how to get along, even when they don’t get their way. Help your teen practice the art of compromise. For example, talk together about which TV programs to watch. Discuss as a family where to go on vacation.
~Personal responsibility. Teens feel good about themselves when they do things for themselves. Assign your teen meaningful tasks she can handle. Praise her effort. Enforce consequences for not being responsible.
~Decision making. When you make all the decisions, your teen can’t learn this skill. Give your teen chances to solve her own problems. Show how to brainstorm solutions.
~Unconditional love. Make sure your teen knows she’s loved—regardless of how she performs. Say you will always love her, though you might not love what she does.

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Hopkinton Middle School