Most of us have accepted the fact that social distancing is going to be our new normal for at least the foreseeable future. That doesn’t mean that we’re liking it (how’s that for an understatement!), but we’ve demonstrated our willingness to make some short-term sacrifices for the long-term good. In other words, we’ve stepped up by deciding to do the socially responsible thing - for ourselves, for our families, and for our communities. But it’s definitely not easy.
Teen self-esteem is not as tricky as you might think. It’s actually quite easy to understand. Think of their self-esteem as a finicky orchid flower that needs constant attention and its environment around it always seems to be conspiring to wilt it! It is very much the same with an adolescent’s self-esteem.
My daughter’s eyes were filled with tears and my voice was louder than needed. We were arguing over something trivial - or so I thought. We were going ‘round and ‘round about the homework she was struggling with. She was convinced she wouldn’t be able to do it, and I was confident she could do it if she pushed through. It was a moment when I could see her potential more than she could. She felt like she was sinking, and all I saw was her refusal to stand up in the shallow water.
Do you feel connected to your teen? My teens are always wearing noise-canceling headphones, which makes it a struggle to communicate with them; it can be hard to connect with someone who seems to be shutting you out. But even though it may be challenging, it is important for you to find ways to create and sustain connections with your teen. According to a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, there are noticeable benefits for teens who feel connected to their family and school. In addition to experiencing better mental health, teens with strong connections are also less likely to have experiences with risky or violent behaviors as adults.
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