Researchers have hypothesized that children will respond positively or negatively to a given environment, based on the praise or punishment received. Many of us would call this observational learning. Often, people are reinforced or punished for modeling the behavior of others. For adolescents, they quickly learn the acceptable norms for their behavior by observing peers around them. The classroom quickly because a microcosm for society among this age group. Researchers have suggested that if an adolescent female is criticized for speaking out in a classroom, she will not speak out again. Once other female students observe this negative interaction with the teacher, they, too, will not speak out. The lines of division between what is acceptable for males and females become increasingly apparent and females begin to see dissimilar treatment of boys and girls in the classroom. Many females can retreat and became docile or almost invisible in a classroom setting. Therefor, it’s important for parents to have open conversations with their daughters about school. Asking “how was school today?” may not be enough. Parents may need to dig a little deeper.
Tag Archives: teens
What is Low Self-Esteem?
Low self-esteem can have many unattractive faces and it can cause you to make bad decisions. Have you ever let a friend treat you badly, or said negative things about yourself inside your head? Have you lain around all day instead of choosing to meet up with friends or spending some time outside?
Don’t worry! There is a silver lining! Low self-esteem can change into positive self-esteem. It doesn’t always have to be low; you have the power to change it. Remember—You control it, it doesn’t control you!
What is Self-Esteem?
What is self-esteem?
Self-esteem is how much you like who you are and how much you accept and respect yourself. Healthy self-esteem can serve much like a shield of armor against the challenges of the world. Self-esteem will change throughout your life, so the key to positive self-esteem is to stay confident in who you are and to surround yourself with good people.
What are some keys to positive self-esteem?
There is no magic formula, but a few surefire ways to feel good about yourself to start you in the right direction
1) Healthy diet- Eat lots of fruits and vegetables; they give you lots of vitamins and energy to keep you moving. So the next time you reach for those chips, grab the apple instead. Drink lots of water- really, it helps. Or… eat a tomato. They can improve your mood!
2) Exercise- If you keep moving, you keep the heart pumping and naturally produced brain chemicals called endorphins run through your body that make you feel good.
3) Positive friends- Hanging around with happy, positive people can make you positive and happy. Laughing out loud is the easiest way to change your mood and has long lasting effects. Good friends with positive self-esteem can always rub off on you.
Dr Carol 