We’re told to pump up teens’ self-esteem—but that stuff is flimsy, more like a quick dopamine snack than a solid meal. One bad grade or missed hangout and poof, it’s gone. What actually sticks? Self-worth—the quiet, stubborn belief that they matter no matter what. Join Meredith and Cathy on today’s episode as they dig into managing a child who doesn’t seem to like themselves. They look at the difference between self-esteem and self-worth, unpack the signs of a child with an underdeveloped sense of self-worth, and share examples of how people-pleasing behaviors show up in adolescence. They also examine how well-meaning parenting can accidentally reinforce low self-worth and share thoughtful ways to help kids develop self-worth that holds steady through life’s ups and downs.

Key Points From This Episode:

• [0:00:50] Introduction and welcome to another episode!
• [0:01:30] A thought exercise to kick off today’s topic.
• [0:02:40] Today’s focus: managing a child with low self-esteem.
• [0:03:45] The difference between self-esteem and self-worth.
• [0:06:50] Signs that a child has an underdeveloped sense of self-worth.
• [0:11:30] How people-pleasing behaviors can show up in adolescence.
• [0:13:45] Examples of parental participation that reinforce low self-worth.
• [0:19:25] Praising your child for who they are (not what they did/do).
• [0:20:00] What parents can do to build self-worth.
• [0:27:50] The importance of paying close attention to your child’s temperament.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Mental Health Red Flags (Episode with Cristina Perez)

Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You

Sh*t Your Teenagers Won’t Tell You on Instagram