Blog post written by,
Ara Mascarenas, M.S - Registered Intern for Mental health Counselor Licensure
As parents, it is our heartfelt desire to see our children grow into resilient and confident individuals, capable of overcoming life's challenges. In the case of teen girls, fostering resilience and self-esteem is especially crucial. Adolescence is a time of immense change and vulnerability, making it essential to equip them with the necessary psychological resources to navigate this transformative period. In this blog post, we will explore why resilience and self-esteem are vital for teen girls and provide actionable steps parents can take to foster these qualities.
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, grow and thrive despite adversity. Teen girls face unique challenges such as peer pressure, academic stress, body image issues, and societal expectations. By developing resilience, they can cultivate emotional strength, problem-solving skills, and a positive mindset. Resilient girls are more likely to cope effectively with setbacks, maintain healthy relationships, and embrace new opportunities.
Self-esteem is a fundamental aspect of a teen girl's emotional well-being. It encompasses a sense of self-worth, confidence, and acceptance of one's abilities. High self-esteem empowers girls to assert themselves, set healthy boundaries, and make positive choices. It is crucial to nurture self-esteem to protect them from the detrimental effects of low self-worth, such as anxiety, depression, and engaging in risky behaviors such as early onset of sexuality, addictions, dieting, etc.
Action Steps for Parents:
Encourage open communication: Create a safe and non-judgmental environment where your teen girl feels comfortable discussing her thoughts and feelings. Be an active listener, validating her experiences and providing empathetic support.
Foster autonomy and decision-making: Allow your teen girl to make age-appropriate decisions and experience the consequences. Encourage independence while offering guidance, helping her develop problem-solving skills and build confidence.
Promote self-care and healthy coping mechanisms: Teach your teen girl the importance of self-care practices such as mindful movement and exercise, balanced eating, quality sleep, and engaging in hobbies or creative outlets. Encourage her to develop healthy coping strategies like journaling, mindfulness, or seeking support from trusted friends, adults and professionals.
By fostering resilience and positive self-esteem in teen girls, parents play a crucial role in shaping their future success and well-being. As they navigate the complexities of adolescence, the support and guidance provided by parents are instrumental. Remember to practice patience, understanding, and consistency in implementing the action steps mentioned above. Let us empower our teen girls with the psychological resources they need to thrive, ensuring they blossom into confident, resilient young women, ready to conquer any challenge that comes their way.
This summer, I am committed to promote a skills-based group for teenage girls focusing on self-esteem, body image, relationships, and social media. This group will provide a safe and supportive environment to foster the social and emotional development of the participants and encourage connection while learning healthy habits such as maintaining good friendships, communicating efficiently, navigating media platforms, and interpersonal skills. For more information about the group, please reach out to Ara Mascarenas at
954.850.6633 or email info@homeforbalance.com.
Ara Mascarenas, M.S
I am interested in working with children, adolescents, and their families. I am good at establishing a positive therapeutic relationship with clients who are currently struggling with anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. For more information about working with me and to get a FREE 30-minute phone consult, please call at 954.850.6633 or email me at aramascarenasmhc@gmail.com.
Services available in English/Spanish and Online.