Self esteem is important because it is your teen's definition of who they are.

If your teen has high self esteem they are happier, have more confidence, have courage to try again when they fail at something and have respect for themselves.

If your teen respects themselves and their body they will be more likely to respect others and in return be respected by others.

www.princetonol.com/family/askjill/articles/
how_parents.shtml

www.medicinenet.com/script/main/
art.asp?articlekey=52205

housekeeping.about.com/od/chorechart1/
a/ageapprchores.htm

www.deepermind.com/20maslow.htm

www.workplaceblues.com/
relationships/kids.asp

Having low self esteem isn't OK. It can keep your teen from trying new things, being happy, making new friends, or doing well in school. On the flip side, teens with high self esteem can laugh at their mistakes, aim high in life, accept their body as their own and realize they are valuable and important.

Help address your teen's self esteem by:
1. Planning family dinners and talking about your teen's day.
2. Implement family chores.
3. Establish family nights.
4. Share success stories and support each other--daily!
5. Tell your teen often how much you love them, and why.