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Raising Self Esteem in at-Risk Youth
Various studies have proven that adolescents’ acts and behaviors are basically related to how they feel towards themselves. And, teens, who feel low self-esteem, are more likely into drugs and alcohol. However, how can self-esteem be developed among teenagers? According to Stanley Coopersmith, a popular psychologist; there are three main vital factors to raise self-esteem among the youth. They should more love and appreciated within their homes. In the same way, parents must be firm and disciplinarian in setting guidelines among the children. There should be open communication and democratic system inside the house. Relatively, in order to develop high self-esteem among them, they must be oriented earlier about the significance of proper behaviors and acts, in order to feel good about own self, as well as to develop competence in them, through giving them tasks. Parents must teach children to become responsible even in small things, and assume them responsibilities that they should accomplish or achieve with full of self confidence and empowering themselves that they can do tasks effectively and efficiently. Youth, start to recognize sense of responsibility if they discover their ability to work through problems, conflicts, as well as they learn lessons from their mistakes, and eventually, take pride of their achievements.
(http://www.byparents-forparents.com/parenting/nurturing-self-confidence-in-teens.htm)
Furthermore, children want to be respected and well loved by the people around them. They need to feel that they are important, by being accepted, and given enough attention and care by their parents. In contrary, bad kids more often, feel rejected and isolated from society. This is also the main reason, that they make various ways to get others’ attention. Likewise, they involve in drugs and alcohol activities with other peers. They are groups of teens who do the same things as they do, where they can find acceptance and belonging within the group. In contrast, living a safe and nurturing environment, encourages youth to contribute more their skills and talents to their community, and interact with other people with the same passion and interests as what they have. As long as youth is doing something worthwhile, and help them to develop their personalities into better individuals, teens can divert their attentions from drug addiction and alcoholism. Another thing is being competent, personal achievement is very essential to boast adolescents’ self-esteem. Helping them to reach their goals and aspirations, solving problems, as well as overcoming obstacles; are very vital factors to make them feel that they are important in the family and in the society at large. Being competent brings teens a priceless self-satisfaction and sense of value as individuals. Next is youth empowerment, the sense of ability to influence and touch the people and the world around them; is very vital element of raising youth’s self-esteem. Adolescents who lack personal sense of power may feel inadequate and useless, this is also the reason that some teens try to control other people and situations through making troubles and issues. In most cases, youth behave or act in order to get their needs met by parents or other people. Self-esteem improves when teens feel good and worthy about their decisions. This is also a way to increase their morale and spiritual side. Correspondingly, curricular activities in school, and other community projects are very effective ways to encourage some teenagers to release their feelings of blame and guilt; these types of youth activities, teach them to identify their areas of strength and act in accordance with right principles and beliefs in the society. Through involvement in civic-organization activities, many teens learn how to accept accountability, as well as to serve other people without assuming any thing in return. And, it is a cloud nine feelings for them, knowing that they touch many lives in their community.
(http://seamist.hubpages.com/hub/teen-self-esteem)
With all these in mind, youth and their families should be perfect partners in boasting their self-esteem. Productive lives, in the midst of struggles and challenges, can still be achieved, through proper guidance from the therapists, teachers, and foremost the parents. Consequently, depression, anxiety, influence of drugs and alcohol, emotional disturbances and misbehaviors can be prevented, if the members of the family are consistent with the proper ways of raising their children. Plus, people in the school must set good examples to them. Additionally, giving the children their own time, space, and let emphasizing on them that mistakes are fine, because they are the best teachers to humans. Remember, successes are made of failures and mistakes. And, helping youth understand this principle in life, will absolutely; lead them to better understanding of themselves on how they pull themselves towards their own accomplishments.
(http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=63532805)
References:
(http://www.byparents-forparents.com/parenting/nurturing-self-confidence-in-teens.htm)
(http://seamist.hubpages.com/hub/teen-self-esteem)
(http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=63532805)
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