Parents of Teens

RX for Self-Esteem

Babies thrive on love. In fact, they will die without love. Teens also need to be loved. Even more importantly, they have a need to GIVE LOVE TO OTHERS. As we love and serve others, our own self-respect and happiness grows. Teenagers especially have a need to forget themselves and help others. They need to be givers and not merely performers. If you want your teenager to feel good about himself, involve him in family and community service projects. Make cookies for a neighbor. Volunteer together to serve meals at a homeless shelter. Ask him to deliver dinner to a shut-in. Donate teddy bears to a hospital. Assign him to play games with a younger sibling instead of vacuuming or laundry. You will be amazed at the attitude change when your teen is busy helping others. Teens will find ideas for fun and active dates in Judy's pamphlet, "More Fun Than a Movie," Click on |order| below.