Best Ways to Help Your Teenager in Overcoming Insecurities

Adolescence is associated with dynamic physical and cognitive development, so insecurities among teenagers are a very common issue that most parents face on a day-to-day basis. Insecurities refer to feelings of inadequacy and lack of self-esteem. While even the most confident people have insecurities about one thing or the other, most teenagers usually find it difficult to cope with their insecurities. Hence, parents have a crucial role to play in this regard. Let us examine some ways whereby you can help your teenager in overcoming insecurities.

What Makes a Teenager Insecure?

There is a multitude of factors that give rise to insecurities among teenagers. Here are a few of the most important ones that provide us an insight into what makes a teenager insecure:

• Hormonal Changes

Hormones are the first thing that comes into any person’s mind while talking about mood swings and insecurities. Indeed, the bodies of teenagers are experiencing rapid growth and development. This makes them sometimes exhilarated and sometimes annoyed. Also, it may give rise to insecurities if teenagers fail to understand that what they are experiencing is normal.

• Body Image Issues

Body image issues among teenagers are quite prevalent, and when you want to help your teenager in overcoming insecurities, you need to address these issues from scratch. Your child may not feel comfortable in his/her own skin and may not be confident about how he/she looks and what he/she wears. These insecurities may arise from parent-peer-societal pressure. 

• Style of Parenting

Yes, your parenting style has one of the most important roles to play apart from body image issues among teenagers. Rather than negate your teen’s insecurities about himself/herself or try to find a solution, you need to make a sincere attempt at understanding the situation and your teen’s emotions. You need to be a friend to your teenager.

Here’s How to Help Your Teenager in Overcoming Insecurities

Given below are some ways to help your teenager cope with insecurities. Rising above one’s insecurities takes time, but it is worth the effort if one wants to live a life full of possibilities and a confident approach.

• Share your insecurities with your teenager and always let him/her know that mood swings and insecurities are very much natural for anyone.
• Common insecurities in teenagers stem from peer pressure and social media. Ensure that your child knows his/her self-worth and avoids negative self-talk by comparison with others.
• Indulge your teenager in positive self-talk by complimenting them on little things out of nowhere. Let your teenager know what makes them special. Avoid exaggeration; otherwise, your teenager might lose faith in your words.
• One of the common insecurities in teenagers is related to the comparison with siblings and cousins which might make them feel uncertain of your (parental) love and disappointed in themselves. Avoid comparisons at all costs.
• Encourage teenagers to participate in activities that will help them increase their self-confidence. For example, if they are anxious or insecure about their looks, encourage them to work on that and reassure them of the beauty that lies within them.

Dealing With Insecurities Takes Time

You can help your teenager in overcoming anxieties by giving them time, space, and constant support. Provide them with a loving environment that helps them grow and checks their aggressive behaviour when needed. Little things such as these are all it takes!

(Also, Read: How to Improve Your Child’s Body Language & Why It Matters)