Encouraging teenagers to take their own decisions as a way to enhance self-esteem

Self esteem can be defined as one’s perception about one’s own self image. The problem of a low self esteem among teenagers is a recognized problem that many youth around the world are victims to. The main reasons for low self esteem among youth can be put down to peer pressure to conform to certain norms, which at times are uncalled for and at other times not necessarily universally welcome. Due to these high levels of pressure and stress, teenagers have to, for all practical purposes, make decisions regarding their choices. These decisions have the potential to alter the course of their life either for the better or for the worse. As a child, most of the important decisions regarding their child were made by the parents of the child and as the child grew up these decisions were made by the parents in consultation with their child. However, as your children begin to mature into teenagers and seek their independence, decision making should be made more by the concerned teenagers rather than their parents.

Decision making
 
However the decision making process should not be recklessly handed over to the teenagers all of a sudden. Teenagers should first be involved in making small decisions and gradually encouraged to take bigger and more important decisions. 

As is the case with any teenager they are at times bound to make the right decisions and at times their decisions lack proper judgment and rational thinking. It is important for adequate parental corrections to their teenagers when they stumble. However at the same time, it is important to not be overly harsh or critical of their children at this time. The effect of doing so can have a bearing on the self-esteem of the teenager. It can lead to a sense of shame and failure and thus have an adverse effect on the development of a positive self-esteem.

Therefore a consistent and encouraging attitude toward teenagers making their own decisions go a long way in developing and nurturing a healthy self-esteem among teenagers.