They don’t feel they have to be “perfect.” This balance, usually achieved through experience or by example, makes them ready to tackle life’s challenges.

Here are some ways to help your teen become confident now and as an adult:

• Encourage her to take charge of what she says and does. Sometimes your teen will be invited to do something she knows is wrong for her. Help her practice saying, “Sorry, I just won’t do that.”
• Let her make decisions. She needs to practice now for adulthood, even if she chooses to hang out with a friend who might hurt her feelings.
• Urge her not to compare herself to others. What others do doesn’t matter as long as your teen is making progress toward her goals. Don’t allow her to put herself down. If she makes a mistake, it’s not because she’s “stupid,” it’s because she’s human. Forget dwelling on what went wrong. Ask her what she can do to improve next time.

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