As we get older and face tough decisions - especially under peer pressure - the more self-esteem we have, the better. It's important to know our self-worth. Boosting Your Self-Esteem If you think you might have low self-esteem, try talking to a counselor you trust about it. He or she may be able to help you come up with some good ideas for building your self-esteem. In the meantime, here are a few things that you can try to increase your self-esteem:

• Make a list of the stuff you're good at. It can be anything from drawing or singing to playing a sport or telling a good joke. If you're having trouble with your list, ask a friend to help you with it. Then add a few things to the list that you'd like to be good at. Your frirnds can help you plan a way to work on those skills or talents.
• Give yourself three compliments every day. Don't just say, "I'm so great." Be specific about something good about yourself, like, "I was a good friend to Bill today" or "I did better on that test than I thought I would." While you're at it, before you go to bed every night, list three things in your day that really made you happy.
• Remember that your body is your own, no matter what shape, size, or color it is. If you are worried about your weight or size, you can check with your doctor to make sure that things are okay. Remind yourself of things about your body that you like.
• Remind yourself that there are things about yourself you can't change. You should accept and love these things - such as skin color and shoe size - because they are part of you.
• When you hear negative comments in your head, tell yourself to stop. When you do this, you take the power away from the voice inside that discourages you.