www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com
HOO’s PARENTING
PROMOTE TWEEN THROUGH ACTION
“Simple tasks like doing a good deed for others, learning something new or accomplishing a goal,
goes a long way in boosting self-esteem for tweens,” said Dr. Michele Borba, an educational
psychologist and author of “UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About Me World.”
HERE ARE 5 WAYS YOU CAN INSTILL CONFIDENCE IN YOUR TWEEN THROUGH ACTION:
Spread kindness
Encourage your tween to team
up with a pal to complete five
acts of kindness in one week
for people outside of your
immediate circle. It could be
helping a coach clean up after
practice, holding the door,
pitching in with a neighbor’s yard
work, paying for the ice cream
of the person behind you in line
or any number of small gestures
that help spread kindness.
Test out a new activity
Brainstorm activities with your
tween that he or she has always
wanted to learn but never tried
Experts say a significant drop in self-esteem
happens between ages 9-12. Instilling
confidence in kids during these pivotal years
can start with action-oriented activities that
promote family time and conversation.
like drawing, kickboxing or yoga.
Engage your child in exploring
how to make it happen. Ask
around: many places offer free
trial classes, the library may have
a how-to video or you can work
together to find someone who
can help teach the new skills.
Be an agent for good
Inspire your tween to look for
someone who has had a hard
day, needs a friend or just a
positive boost and encourage
him or her to do something
to make their day a little
brighter. Think of simple, small
gestures like leaving a note of
encouragement for a friend,
baking extra treats to thank a
neighbor or cleaning up trash
for the school janitor. Let your
tween decide whether to make
the actions known or keep it a
surprise.
Interview a grown-up
Promote positive role models by
asking your tween to interview
someone he or she admires.
It could be a favorite uncle,
grandparent, teacher or anyone
they find interesting. Challenge
them to discover at least three
new things, take notes or record
the conversation and then
write up a story to share the
discoveries.
13
/www.FamilyAndKidsGA.com