More Than Just Confident Smiles
Because we work with so many teenagers at East Texas Orthodontics, we’d like to recognize that May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month!
Navigating teenage years can be hard, but when teens suffer from low self-esteem, it’s even more difficult. Fortunately, there are some things we can do as adults to help with this common teenage problem.
At East Texas Orthodontics, we can help in one important area. Having a beautiful, confident smile can do wonders for a teenager’s self-esteem, and orthodontic treatment can get you that result.
It’s about more than just the cosmetic improvement though. When teenagers enjoy healthy self-esteem and feel good about themselves, they gain the confidence they need to succeed and accomplish their goals.
Because having traditional metal braces can sometimes hamper a teen’s self-esteem even more during treatment time, we provide the options of Invisalign or clear braces for our patients. These less noticeable treatment options help some teenagers feel more confident while under orthodontic care.
Whether you choose braces or Invisalign, the end result will give your teenager the beautiful smile that helps them have confidence and strong self-esteem.
While we can help you give your teen a beautiful smile, here are ten things you can do as a parent to help increase your teen’s self-esteem:
- Help your teen learn to make positive self-statements. Self-talk is critically important. Studies have shown that negative self-talk leads to low self-esteem. What we think determines how we feel, and how we feel determines how we behave. It’s very helpful to teach teens to be positive about how they “talk to themselves.”
- Be generous with praise. When you are happy with your teen, tell him or her! Parents can sometimes be quick to give negative feedback to their teenager but remember to try to be just as generous with positive comments.
- Avoid criticism that takes the form of ridicule or shame. Sometimes it’s necessary (and appropriate!) to criticize your teen’s actions but don’t let it deteriorate into ridicule.
- Set boundaries and expect them to follow the rules. Teenagers still need (and actually want) boundaries.
- During the teen years, try to become more of a coach/teacher to your kids rather than a disciplinarian/punisher.
- Be supportive during conflict. When your teen is having problems with a peer or at school, try to listen and don’t jump to judgment ─ even if you think they are in the wrong. They need for you to really listen, and to show them unconditional love and acceptance when they’re having conflicts.
- Encourage decision-making and ask for their opinion on some of the everyday family decisions.
- Stay connected in the ways that your teens like to connect. Most young people today appreciate texting more than phone calls. Try to communicate with them in the way they want to communicate, and you’ll have more open lines.
For more discussion on what steps can be taken to help strengthen teenage self-esteem, visit the National Teen Self-Esteem Facebook page or take a look at their website.
If you have a child who is lacking healthy self-esteem because of a smile they’re not proud of, request a complimentary consultation with our team and let us discuss treatment options.
Having a smile that looks good helps you feel good, and we want to help your child feel confident about their smile!
