It’s tough being a teenager. You’re faced with an ever-changing body, peer pressure and the perils of the opposite sex. How in the world is a person supposed to feel confident? As a parent, it can be difficult to watch your child go through the struggles of adolescence. While you can’t always protect your teen, staying involved and keeping a few points in mind can help you both make it to graduation unscathed.

Teenagers who do well in school tend to feel more confident. Keep on top of your teen’s homework. Set aside a time and place for completing assignments every night. If your teen has difficulties or needs help working to her potential, look into tutoring programs or learning centers. She may fight it, but she’ll appreciate the boost in the long run.

Being involved in extracurricular activities is a surefire way to build self-confidence. While specific possibilities vary from school to school, there’s a little something for everyone. The musically-inclined will want to try out marching band or choir while your family’s Trivial Pursuit champion may want to join the quiz bowl team. Clubs and teams give teens an instant peer group, allow them to experience the satisfaction of working with others towards a goal, and often help them develop leadership skills. Every aspect of the experience lends itself to increased confidence.

If your teen isn’t interested in any of the clubs or sports offered at school, look for activities in the community. Weekly dance classes, riding lessons or martial arts training will help your teen gain confidence as he learns perseverance, dedication and hard work, skills that will stay with him long after the specifics of technique are lost.

Volunteering is another extracurricular option. Some high school clubs, such as National Honor Society and Key Club, focus on community service, but it’s also possible to approach an organization like the humane society or a senior center and ask if they need any help. Encourage your teen to find an organization or cause she is truly interested in, but don’t force it. Compulsory volunteering is no longer truly volunteering. It becomes a chore and many of the “feel good” benefits can be diminished.

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