Identity, self-worth and body image
The foundations of healthy self-esteem in kids
A Focus Series
The worldly culture that surrounds our kids is a harsh critic. Societal voices assail them with twisted messages about how they should look, how they should behave and what they should strive for. Beneath it all is a grim subliminal message: Meet our standards and you're worth something. If you don't match up, you don't matter much.
We have the best news to share with our kids that they will ever hear: Their true worth has already been decided by the ruler of the universe, who knows them for who they really are. He says they have value beyond measure, and that they are dearly loved by him. The challenge for us, as parents, is to figure out how to help our kids take that message to heart, and grasp that God’s standards are the only standards that matter. Browse the resources below to find help for your discussions with your child.
The foundations of self-esteem
Recommended resource
A Mind of Their Own: Building Your Child's Emotional Wellbeing in a Post-Pandemic World by Katharine Hill
Raising Resilient Kids by Kathy Koch
Positive self-image in the teen years
Issues for teen girls
Recommended resources
Raising a Strong Daughter in a Toxic Culture by Meg Meeker
Courageous: Being Daughters Rooted in Grace by Terra Mattson
Lies Young Women Believe by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth and Dannah Gresh
Beauty and body confidence
Recommended resource
Hope, Help & Healing for Eating Disorders by Dr. Gregory Jantz
Modesty and clothing battles
Recommended resources
LifeLoveAndGod.com - A website for teen girls hosted by Jessie Minassian
Backwards Beauty by Jessie Minassian
He Numbered the Pores On My Face by Scarlet Hiltibidal
Courageous: Being Daughters Rooted in Grace by Terra A. Mattson
Hope, Help and Healing for Eating Disorders by Gregory L. Jantz