Tag Archives: Adolescence

Get Moving! The Link Between Physical Activity and Self-Esteem

Posted in Self-Esteem, Tip of the Week by

Good sleep is a very important part of staying healthy, but so is exercise.  Many teens enjoy sitting around and playing video games or just “hanging out” with their friends. This is fine and actually quite natural for the age group, but movement is important too.  Get outside and go for a walk, ride your skateboard or join a sports team.  Exercise gets the heart pumping and the blood flowing, which causes chemical to release in the brain.  These chemicals are natural mood enhancers that help make you feel good. So get moving, it helps promote healthy self-esteem.

There is actually a link between exercise and self-esteem beyond the “feeling good” aspect.  Teens that are trained athletes and/or play on sports teams tend to have higher self-esteem.  There is something very powerful in pushing oneself further that you expect you can go to really make you realize what you are made of.  The concept of being part of a team and striving toward something together creates a sense of belonging and pride, kind of like a family. Also, trying a new physical challenge can be a huge confidence builder. Like rock climbing a wall for the first time and getting to the top or training for a race with a friend or sister and actually following through.  Finishing something that you started can create such a sense of accomplishment that you won’t be able to not be proud of yourself. This ultimately will boost your self-esteem and make you look at yourself a little differently.

So get your family and friends involved.  Challenge them to try something new or have them train with you. Having a good support system like a team or simply a good friend is key.

The Power of Peer Pressure

Posted in Articles for Parents, General Health by

Whose disapproval is hardest to take for a teen: A parent, friend or teacher?

It’s probably no surprise that teens rate their friend’s and classmates disapproval as most difficult to take; however, it may surprise you that behind friends, a far second would be their teachers and in last place are mom and dad.

Disapproval by their friends and classmates will be avoided at any cost. This is where peer pressure can come into play if they do not have a strong sense of self (healthy self-esteem). It also indicates that the classroom is a micro-society for boys and girls where peer influence is heavily weighted. This can be a huge challenge for many young people since a large portion of their day is spent at school. Let’s not forget the 17-year-old boy who recently jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge while on a school field trip. The authorities are speculating that he did it on a “dare” from classmates. If that turns out to be the case, this act shows the power and magnitude of peer pressure among our young people. To combat those pressures, self-esteem must be built up and nurtured by family and friends early on. Support systems must also be in place to continually foster their self-esteem as they grow.

Teens, be sure the friends you make have your best interest at heart. A true friend would never put you in harm’s way or make you prove your self-worth by a life threatening act.  They should love, respect and accept you for who you are.  And mom and dad, don’t forget your teens first started learning social queues by observing you and your interactions with friends and family from the time they could crawl.  How you treat people and how you allow people to treat you will rub off on them. Keep this in mind so by the time they are teens and start pushing away from parental advice and approval, they will still carry with them the values and standards they observed in you.

Quiz for Teens

Posted in General Health by

Moral Dilemma

What would you do?

Ok- you are at school waiting for your best friend and she’s late. Finally, she shows up just as the bell is ringing, and says that she dropped something and has to go back.  You say, “Ok, I’ll meet you in home room”, but she says “NO, wait for me” and runs off.  Do you:

A) Wait for your friend and you both walk in late and get in trouble

B) Take off for home room and hope your friend won’t be too mad later

C) Pretend you didn’t hear her, go to home room and try to blow off the situation

Post your answers