Did you know that May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month? What does that mean?
National Teen Self-Esteem Month was created to raise public awareness about how low self-esteem can negatively affect teens. Especially during May, parents and guardians of teens are asked to be positive role models. If teens can receive positive re-enforcement and their negative images of themselves are improved, then their self-esteem has a better chance of developing in a positive direction.
Dr. Richards and our team at Farr West Orthodontics saddened to know there are a lot of teens living in America, including our own area, that are struggling with depressed self-images. This can affect all aspects of their everyday lives. Some evidence shows that there is an increased risk for learning disabilities and eating disorders if a teen’s self-esteem is low. It can also lead to abuse of drugs and thoughts of suicide. Dating violence among high school teens is now more common than was previously thought.
What can be done to help?
So what can adults do specifically to help their teens? Check out the National Teen Self-Esteem Facebook page. It has tons of suggestions and positive messages for teens and parents alike. Encourage your teen to like this page. Some of the tips offered include:
- When you stumble, get right back up.
- Don’t compare yourself to anyone else.
- Do things that make you feel good about yourself.
- Open yourself up to compliments.
We strive to make each of our patients and especially our teens feel important and valued. Our goal is to create a beautiful smile, but more importantly we work to make each patient smile and know that they are important to us. Dr. Michael Richards and the team try our best to recognize the achievements and talents of each of our patients. We want our teens to feel comfortable, confident, and accepted for who they are while they are here and everywhere els.
Having a beautiful, healthy smile can help build self esteem and confidence. The team at Farr West Orthodontics can help you or your teen create a smile that will be something you'll be proud and confident to take anywhere with you.
Summary
"Each day is a new day to work on loving yourself as you are. Remember to be kind to yourself, recognize & appreciate your talents
and the things you do well, embrace mistakes, imperfection and quirks, don't let fear keep you from trying, and don't let others shape
your view of yourself or what beauty is or what it means to be "cool" "in." Love yourself, love your day, and love your life."
Overall, a more positive approach to life will help us all. It is a very important trait to instill in our teens. As parents, a big part of our responsibility is to show our children there is always another day and bumps in the road are just that. We need to help guide their self-esteem and reinforce their positive traits. We can help them recognize the value of who they are.
Let us all use this month to help lift another and help them feel loved and accepted for who they are. Then, lets carry this momentum of bettering others forward through the year and beyond.
For more information on this topic, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Richards, please give us a call at our convenient Farr West, UT office!