Self-esteem is a confidence and satisfaction in oneself. Self respect is considered an important component of
emotional health. To have a sence of personal worth and the ability that is fundamental to an individual's identity. What does your inner voice say about your self-esteem?

Most peoples feelings and thoughts about themselves fluctuate somewhat based on their daily experiences. The grade
you get on an exam, how your friends treat your or the "ups and downs" in a romantic relationship all can have a
temporary impact on your well-being. However, your self-esteem is something more fundamental that the normal "ups
and downs" associated with situational changes. For people with good basic self-esteem, normal "ups and downs" may
lead to temporary fluctuations in how they feel about themselves, but only to a limited extent. In contrast, for
people with poor basic self-esteem, these "ups and downs" may make all the difference in the world.

Family relationships during childhood are believed to play a crucial role in the development of self-esteem.
Parents may foster self-esteem by expressing affection and support for the child as well as by helping the child
set realistic goals for achievement instead of imposing unreachably high standards. Low self-esteem leads to the
development of a personality that excessively craves approval, affection and exhibits an extreme desire for
personal achievement. If during child-hood a parent gives praises to the child when deserved, listens to the child,
speaks respectfully to the child, gives the child attention and hugs, support the child’s success in sports and
school and approves of the child’s trustworthy friends, these childhood experiences will lead to a healthy self
esteem. Some child-hood experiences which can cause low self esteem are when the parent harshly criticizes the
child, yells or beats the child, ignores, ridicules or teases the child, and expects the child to be perfect at all
times. These experiences can and will lead to low self-esteem.

A child that develops low self-esteem can lead to a teenager with low self-esteem. Having a teenager with low-self
esteem does not mean that you're not a good parent or that you did the wrong things when they were very little.
Every parent makes mistakes and every child misinterprets information. Low self-esteem can come from various
sources, including some that are outside of the home.

When a teenager struggles with issues such as poor grades, social awkwardness, the loss of friends during
transition, or adjustment to change, they can often question themselves and their self worth. Being teenagers they
tend to be more observant of the comments that people are making and they use these comments to determine their
worth in the world. Of course they are naturally looking for specific things to be said and instead of asking the
question they hope to have these answers provided for them. Without direct communication teenagers often
misinterpret the communication around them.

Its not often that we ask our teenagers the level of their self-esteem. Its typically not a topic of conversation
at the dinner table. But if your teenager constantly refers to themselves as being stupid, ugly, fat or
incompetents, these are clearly signs and red flags that are screaming out "My self-esteem is low." These
behaviors should not be ignored. A poor self-esteem can lead to poor performance which can cycle to negative
feelings about themselves. Over time those negative feelings can lead to depression. Some teenagers are quite
willing to talk about how they really feel. They have simply been waiting for someone to ask.