Help your child develop a strong positive sense of personal competency. It is important to self-esteem. If he can recognize and appreciate the impact of his choices and behavior, he will be more likely to view himself as competent rather than a victim of circumstance . This is important in academics, athletics, recreation, relationships, as well as body impulses and emotions. Your expectations for what is appropriate and your implementation of consistent consequences also influence the development of your child's self-esteem.
Positive discipline is important to the development of a positive sense of self-worth.
While it may not always be easy to parent and discipline positively, it is well worth the effort. As he becomes more independent of you, it will be his sense of self-worth, in many instances, that determines his behavior. Teens with poor self-esteem are more vulnerable to peer pressure and more likely to have depressive reactions and eating disorders. They are at higher risk to abuse alcohol and drugs, and to take risks such as driving dangerously. Self-esteem determines a teen's investment in their physical health.