How do I get teens to love themselves they way the are?

Question

I am looking for intersting and motivational ways! They are looking at the TV and get false impressions from popular public figures. I want them to love who they are and be proud about themselves and show it

Answer 1

It is hard to love yourself when you are in the process of finding out who you actually are. I had a lot of problems as a teen and this was often banded about around me, to heal you must love yourself, no one can love you if you don't love yourself etc. NEVER say this it makes you feel worse. I hated myself, I mean hated, I didn't think I deserved food or sleep, I cut myself to brand myself so everyone could see how ugly I was on the inside on the out (other reasons too but this was one of them). Big number one if you find a young person like this do not try to deal with it on your own - plenty did and made it made worse - send them to a doctor.
In the end I hate to admit but it was a man (now my husband) who showed me i was worthy of love and wasn't the monster i thought I was. This we are told over and over is not the way to feel right, to feel well but it worked for me. He did it by never leaving, never judging and never letting me let go. It was hard, very hard.
From my experience, if you want to help don't try to change them or talk or push, get to know who they are individually and let them know that you like who they are. Showing them someone else inspirational wont help that person is not them. Show them that to be loved they only need to be themselves warts and all - you cant tell someone they are worthy and beautiful you have to help them to find it on their own from inside.

Answer 2

Well, good luck. Teens are about the most insecure people there are.
If you can help them reach out to others, that should lift their spirits and create a sense of community between them as well.

Answer 3

Take them camping.