Empowering Teens to Build Self-Esteem

Nearly every teenager could stand to learn more about self-esteem--how it affects their lives and how they can affect it. In "Empowering Teens to Build Self-Esteem," Suzanne E. Harrill (a licensed therapist and counselor as well as teacher and writer) gets her message across in simple, easy terms that aren't condescending and don't talk down to her audience. The book addresses the basics of self-esteem such as how to recognize low self-esteem, why people have self-esteem problems, what constitutes having good self-esteem, and the principles we need to learn in order to have good self-esteem. It sticks to straightforward concepts with clear explanation. I think the book does a good job of addressing its intended teen audience. Surprisingly there's actually a fair amount adults can get out of this book, however. Its simple approach can benefit almost anyone, and adults could even benefit from many of the same general relationship tips. The book does an incredibly good job of balancing two very important issues that often get skewed out of alignment in one direction or the other: the idea that yes, many self-esteem problems have their origin in childhood events and family environments, but that today, now, is the individual's responsibility. While it's often important to understand where these problems come from (for example, if you can recognize that you've unconsciously picked up the behaviors of a parent you may be able to more easily see those behaviors in yourself and alter them), it's just as important to recognize that you're ultimately the person who can help you and make your life better. The book is written so a teen can read and understand it herself, but it's also written with teachers and counselors in mind; it includes simple evaluations as well as journaling questions. It's clear, straightforward, and well-balanced--if you're looking for some help with self-esteem issues but find the larger or more technical books out there too intimidating, this could be a great solution.

Teenagers should really be introduced to the basic concepts of this book. The tools and knowledge will truly fortify them with inner power that they can really use for the rest of their lives. Adults who read this will wish they had this book when they were teenagers. Written by an experienced educator, therapist, counselor who has worked with kids for a good deal of time, this book, with teenage readers in mind, is written with depth and at the same time with much practicality and clarity. It can speak to a teenager reader in a style that is straight and to the point on a very deep, intense topic. Self-esteem is defined in the simplest clearest way for teenagers (and even for us thick-skinned adults): "Self esteem is how you feel about yourself." In the same paragraph as this basic definition is explained low and healthy self-esteem. Again, easily enough for teens to understand: "You consciously or unconsciously send thoughts and opinions about yourself to yourself. These thoughts can be accurate and helpful or they can be false and damaging. To build self-esteem, you need to consciously think and say positive, honest things to yourself in your mind." Again, to the point with no fancy words for the teenage kids in our lives that we want to help out. Harrill's book is written in such a way that a teenager can get two basic things out of this book: First, identify habits that degrade one's self-esteem. Then two, find ways to build a healthier self-esteem. There is a very good set of lists on the behaviors, thoughts and feelings of a person who has low self-esteem. These lists would be quite an eye-opener even for adult, too. Then there are very practical, helpful affirmations, journaling and visualizations(mind pictures) on building good self-esteem that teenagers(and even adults) can practice for themselves. Even just some of these exercises can surely fortify a teenagers ability to manage their thought processes and nurture themselves in times of teen inner turmoil. I used this book as part of my background research to create yoga classes for teenagers. ------ Table of Contents: Part 1. Getting Started .Intro .Q & As .Getting to know yourself. .Teen self-esteem indicator Part 2. A Look at Self-Esteem in Greater Detail .what is self-esteem? .high self-esteem is .why do people have low self-esteem? .how do I know if someone has low self-esteem? .some BEHAVIOURS of low self-esteem .some THOUGHTS of low self-esteem .some FEELINGS of low self-esteem Part 3. Ideas that Build Positive Self-Esteem. .the acorn analogy .8 principles of self-esteem Part 4. Building Good Feelings .how can you build good feelings about yourself? .affirmations - good things to say about yourself .see positive mind pictures .say positive affirmations Part 5. More Information .journal questions .summary of ways to build self-esteem . symptoms of high self-esteem .children's self-esteem indicator .adult self-esteem indicator Part 6. Dating Tips for Teens . se