Parenting Teenage Girls: Preventing at Risk Behavior in Girls through Positive Self Esteem

Today, teenage girls are increasingly at risk for substance abuse problems, early pregnancy, problems with the law, eating disorders, physical aggression or fighting, depression, and suicide.

Girls are entering puberty much earlier than in the past; as early as 8 years old. In the 1980s only 1 in 100 girls began showing signs of puberty at 8 years of age. Today the figure is 1 in 6. At this stage, the physical development of girls in their teens is ahead of their cognitive development and this is an issue, especially since they are now more likely to be exposed to the adult aspects of life and expectations through the media. This puts an enormous amount of stress on adolescent girls to fit in and to be accepted.

While teenagers today are increasingly independent, studies show many have weak self images. When a girl in her teens has low self esteem and you add lack of familial support into the mix, she may feel she lacks options. She may then latch on to unhealthy people, ideas, and behaviors in an attempt to fill the void. Therefore, a strong sense of self-esteem is critical to healthy development in teenage girls.

Ways How to Foster Self-Esteem

It is important to encourage a strong sense of self-worth and value. Kids must feel that their lives have purpose, that they are competent, and that they are loved and loving.

Will Glendon in "200 Ways to Raise a Girl’s Self Esteem" suggests parents can improve self-esteem through a multifaceted approach that includes loving, modeling, articulating, and showing. If you are parenting a teenage girl, there are several ways you can encourage healthy self-esteem.

Encourage and emphasize her strengths.

• Support her passions and encourage her to explore her interests.
• Model self-respect and integrity.Surround yourself with people you respect and demonstrate healthy boundaries.
• Show her respect. Listen with an open mind, and give feedback and guidance without being critical.

Empower her with healthy decision-making skills.

When a challenge arises, rather than giving her a solution, encourage her and ask her questions that will help her produce a resolution. For example, you might ask: “What are some ways you could raise the money to go to basketball camp?” instead of “You should get a part time job babysitting if you want to raise money for basketball camp”.

Raising teenage girls into young women can be a challenging experience filled with many ups and downs.

It is critical that their teenage years are filled with love, support and family solidarity. With consistent and positive parenting, you will help her feel that she is strong, confident, capable, unique, supported and loved.