Support Your Kids

Helping Your Children Feel Good About Themselves

We know that children who feel loved make better choices for themselves. All kids can have a hard time liking themselves. They may feel confused about the changes going on in their bodies. Often, they are worried about being “normal,” being liked, and “fitting in.” Show your children how much you love and support them, and share resources with them so that they can learn themselves how normal it is to feel the way they are feeling during the tumultuous period of adolescence. Find resources to share with your kids here.

Spend time with your children.

Ask them about what’s going on in their lives and give them your full attention. Choose to do something together that they enjoy. Even doing the dishes or other chores together can help them feel loved.

Encourage them in something they like to do.

Show up at school events. Cheer them on in their sports. Drive them to dance lessons. By encouraging them in this way, they will feel supported by you.

Help them learn to make good choices in life.

As a parent, we are there to help guide our kids. Being there to walk them through the choices they face is important. Help them think through their choices and where those choices might lead – good and bad.

Let your children know you love them no matter what.

Everyone makes mistakes. No one is perfect. Let your kids know that you are there for them no matter what. Make sure they know that you love them no matter what grades they get, no matter what choices they make, no matter what problems they have. Let them know that you are there to help. Kids who are loved this way tend to make better choices for themselves and to learn more quickly from their mistakes.