Helping Teens Build Positive Self-Esteem | Calgary Teen Therapy
What is Self-Esteem?
Self-esteem is how an individual sees and values themselves. It includes feelings of confidence, self-respect, and self-worth. For teens, self-esteem plays a powerful role in how they approach challenges, relationships, and personal growth.
A teen’s self-esteem can be influenced by many factors—friendships, body image, life experiences, achievements, inner dialogue, and even cultural or societal expectations. Importantly, self-esteem is not fixed. It can grow and change over time, especially with the right support. So how can parents in Calgary help their teens experience positive self-esteem?
Tips for Supporting Your Teen’s Self-Esteem
1. Listen and love unconditionally
Teens need to know they are loved without conditions—whether related to grades, behavior, or performance. Strong relationships are built on listening more than correcting. When you listen with empathy, your teen feels heard and valued.
2. Encourage a growth mindset
Remind your teen that mistakes and challenges are part of learning and growth. While teens often get stuck in a “fixed mindset” (“I’m just not good at this”), parents can gently model and reinforce the idea that abilities can improve with effort and time.
3. Normalize failure as a learning tool
Failure is a normal and valuable part of life. Instead of criticizing or panicking when things don’t go well, encourage your teen to focus on what they can learn from the experience. This helps them build resilience and confidence.
4. Offer reassurance during tough times
If your teen is moving on from a toxic friendship or facing setbacks, reassure them that making healthy choices for themselves does not make them a “bad person.” Choosing what’s best for their well-being is a sign of strength.
5. Encourage self-love practices
Introduce mindfulness and self-care practices like journaling, meditation, or writing affirmations. These tools can help teens build inner confidence and maintain a positive sense of self.
When to Seek Extra Support in Calgary
Self-esteem naturally fluctuates during adolescence, but if your teen consistently struggles with self-worth, becomes highly self-critical, or withdraws from activities they once enjoyed, it may be time to seek extra support.
Calgary child and teen therapists can:
Provide a safe space to explore emotions
Teach coping and self-compassion strategies
Support parents in fostering healthy communication at home
Final Thoughts
Teen self-esteem is shaped through experiences, relationships, and inner dialogue—but parents have a powerful role in fostering confidence and resilience. By listening with empathy, encouraging growth, and modeling self-love, you can help your teen build a healthier sense of self.
At Creative Sky Psychology in Calgary, we specialize in supporting teens and families through challenges with confidence and self-esteem. Together, we can help your teen feel more secure, valued, and motivated for the future.
📍 Visit us: #5, 2005 37 Street SW, Calgary, AB T3E 3A5
📞 Call: 587-331-4464 ext. 1
✉️ Email: info@creativeskypsychology.com
🌐 Book an appointment online to support your teen’s self-esteem and confidence.
Looking for therapy for older teens, post-secondary students, or adults? Visit our sister clinic, NU Psychology in Calgary, where mental health support is available at every stage of life.
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Teens with low self-esteem may put themselves down, withdraw from friends, avoid challenges, or show increased irritability. If these patterns persist, professional support may help.
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Praise effort over results, listen without judgment, and encourage them to try new things. Small acts of support can build lasting confidence.
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Yes. Therapy provides tools for building resilience, managing negative self-talk, and developing a more positive sense of self. In Calgary, teen therapists work collaboratively with families to support growth.
Children with ADHD are more sensitive to sleep loss and screen time—both can make focus and mood regulation harder. Regular sleep routines help stabilize brain chemistry and support attention.
