Seven tips for parenting teen boys: 'Nagging them is like shouting into a void'

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/oct/10/seven-tips-for-parenting-teen-boys-nagging-them-is-like-shouting-into-a-void

Parenting teenage boys can be a challenging experience, but it's important to remember that their often difficult behavior is a phase and that underneath it all, they are vulnerable and seeking understanding. Biological and psychological changes, including surges of testosterone and brain development, contribute to their emotional volatility and risky behavior. Here are seven tips to help you navigate this stage:

1. Don't Shame Them

Avoid shaming your teenage son for his choices. Understand that his behavior is often a phase and that shaming him will only make things worse.

2. Educate Them About Their Development

Talk to your son about the hormonal and brain changes he is experiencing. This will help him to understand that he is not "stupid" and that what he is going through is normal.

How to Help Your Kids Build Self-Esteem

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-help-your-kids-build-self-esteem-1841909386

Don't Over-Praise

While it's natural to want to praise your children, over-praising them can be counterproductive. Constant praise can lower the bar for them, suggesting they no longer need to push themselves. True self-esteem comes not from praise, but from developing competence.

Focus on Competence

Self-esteem is built on three pillars: feeling loved, feeling secure, and developing competence. While parents often provide the first two, competence is something a child must build for themselves through effort and practice. Confidence comes from doing, trying, failing, and trying again.