How to Boost Your Teen's Self-Confidence: 8 Parent-Approved Self-Taught Tricks Teens Parenting

Holly Budde
5 years ago

Self-confidence isn't arrogant or boastful – it's self-reliant. It needs practice! Statistics show that self-confidence begins to suffer in some kids as they reach the tween years. A shocking 70 percent of young girls will miss social activities if they feel bad about themselves that day. 

The wonderful news is that confidence can be taught. The earlier we begin teaching our kids a few tricks to flex their confidence, the more self-assured they will be. Here are a few tricks I've learned along the way (most will work for us moms, too!): 

  • Comparing themselves to others? Remind them that a person's success has nothing to do with them – they aren't lacking anything. 
  • Little steps outside of your kids’ comfort zone can go a long way. They will get braver, stronger and more assured each time.
  • If your kid says something negative about themselves, stop and have them tell you three positive things about themselves.
  • Let kids work out arguments on their own.
  • Talk positive about yourself, and your kids, in front of them.
  • Remind kids to practice for what they want. Talent isn't always natural.
  • Failing is good! Do it! And let them do it – then try it again.
  • Make kids accountable for their actions.

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Comments (5)

Elisa Schmitz
“If your kid says something negative about themselves, stop and have them tell you three positive things about themselves.” LOVE that, Holly Budde . This is a fabulous tip! 💗
Ann Marie Patitucci
I love this. Just what I needed today. Thanks, Holly Budde !
Opal Messier
I have an adopted daughter who is 14. This is a very difficult age and she is the only girl we have raised or are raising. We raised 2 boys, way different than raising a girl! Everything day in and day out is drama! How do you help them not to engage in drama daily and think everything that doesn't work, is because of them?
Meredith Schneider
Holly Budde, I love this tip! So important to help our teens with self-confidence and teaching them it's ok to go outside their comfort zone. A big one for me right now is teaching my 13yr old daughter to not speak negative about herself and pick herself apart.
Tiffany Zook
Great reminder. And let’s add, if mom loves herself and speaks kindly , that also models everything above.
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