Self Esteem From the Inside Out

Question

My 14 year old daughter is battling with anorexia. She is in treatment. She is such a smart and beautiful girl but she has always been such a perfectionist and anxious and she has never had high self esteem and this all works against her in her recovery. How can I help her improve her self esteem? I try to tell her how smart and talented she is but since I am mom I just don't think she listens to me. I am looking for great ideas for her to raise her self esteem on her own.

Lita Perna · Accepted Answer

Telling someone they are smart or talented doesn’t work. All blanket statements are meaningless.

And you’re right. She probably doesn’t listen to, or believe you specifically because you’re her mom.

I think a realistic assessment and acceptance of her faults and flaws will be more beneficial to your daughter. She isn’t perfect. She knows this. She needs to know she’s acceptable in spite of this.

Your last statement was very wise. She needs to build her self esteem and her self image from the inside, out.

Work with her therapist who knows her.

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