Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Age or Ability Specific Forums High School How to help a teenager's self esteem

I feel for you, Bluemagic. There's nothing worse than watching your dc in pain or struggling.

I wonder why he thinks he's not good at anything? His marks tell a different story.

Is there anything he enjoys outside of school? If so, I'd encourage him or help him do more of it, if possible. Something I read recently suggested that having a passion or identity outside of school really helped kids deal with school.

Also I would point out his strengths and focus on those for a while to help his confidence and see a more true reality: everyone has things they need to work at, and other things that come easily. It's not supposed to all be easy.