Review: Building Adolescent Self Esteem
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 22, 2013
As stated in the front of the book, the most important act a parent can provide involves loving their child unconditionally regardless of their behavior. This one act will provide any child with a strong corner stone for high self esteem.As a group leader working with parents of troubled teen girls for over 5 years, I agree with Ali most parents do the "best they can."Ali emphasizes the powerful influence of our subconscious mind/file clerk which determines how we think and feel and thus an adolescents level of esteem.In Chapter 2 Ali describes the commentator/inner critic, the 90% negative self-talk, which can keep teens locked in low self-esteem. We can begin to notice this self-talk and change our attitudes just like her own two children choose to do. In addition, you can also help your child connect what they think with what they feel. See the Thinking Wizard questions.Chapter 3: "Self Image Affects Self-Esteem" stood out as my favorite. Self-image ties in with the commentator - negative self-talk in the subconscious. Your teen can change this. Ali demonstrates how to silence the commentator in a fun way. The Self-Image Wizard gives great questions for you and your teen to explore and discuss.Chapter 4 emphasizes "the single most important lesson to teach your child is unconditional love."Chapter 5: Communication describes the importance of listening. I have seen that when parents learn the skill of "active listening" it can turn their whole relationship with their daughters around. Their daughters finally feel heard.I liked the "Energy Wizard" questions in Chapter 7 also.Ali has applied the methods she talks about with her own two children successfully. Buy this book now to assist your teen improve their esteem.Self-Esteem: A Teen's Guide for Girls