How Self-Confidence Drives Academic Success

Academic success and achievement in teens directly correlates with self-confidence levels. As teenage confidence improves, so does academic performance and engagement. Conversely, as academic performance increases, self-confidence improves. As a parent, it is important to understand how positive self-esteem is both a prerequisite and a consequence of academic achievement for your child.

Understanding and Recognizing Self-Esteem

This concept is defined the personal belief that you are accepted, connected, unique, powerful and capable. Self-esteem, however, is a feeling and not a skill, so it can only be measured by the way your teen acts or behaves. Caregivers and parents must be keen observers of their children to accurately assess their confidence levels. This can be especially difficult with girls, as they are adept at masking difficult or painful emotions.

The Connection to Academic Achievement

Students who feel they have worth believe they can influence the behaviors and opinions of others in a positive way. They can communicate their feelings and emotions in varying situations and be able to approach new situations positively and confidently. They can appropriately handle a high level of frustration and accept responsibility for their actions. They tend to see positive aspects in difficult situations, communicate positive feelings about themselves and possess the ability to understand how their own actions influence the a situation’s outcome.

However, students with diminished feelings of self-worth may feel helpless and make derogatory statements about themselves. They may withdraw socially, avoid activities and demand an unrealistic level of performance from themselves. They may become overly dependent on family, display a great desire to please authority figures and have difficulty making decisions. They can become frustrated and defensive, showing little faith in their own judgment. As a result, they often become susceptible to peer pressure and begin exhibiting destructive behaviors.

What You Can Do to Help

As a parent, you can help your child achieve academic success by boosting her confidence and self-reliance. Providing unconditional love and support for your child allows her the opportunity to solve her own problems. Listening to what your teen has to say lets her know she is worthwhile and valued.

Talk openly with your child about her anxieties, both academic and social. Don’t confuse self-confidence with arrogance or narcissism, however. Many parents inadvertently diminish their child’s self-confidence by focusing exclusively on problem behaviors and corrections. Acknowledge both positive and negative behaviors, praise the good and commit to helping her work on her less-healthy behaviors.

Nurturing your child can help her in every aspect of her life, but especially in the critical academic pursuits that shape her future. If your child continues to struggle, academically or socially, professional intervention may be necessary. Havenwood Academy is committed to helping students achieve academic excellence through determination and personal growth. Contact Havenwood today to learn more about how they can help your child in her quest for academic success.