Boulder Creek Academy is a therapeutic boarding school for adolescents aged 14-18 facing behavioral, academic, or mental health challenges, focusing on building self-esteem through therapy and an evidence-based curriculum. Effective strategies for improving self-esteem include offering balanced praise and maintaining a constructive and respectful dialogue about issues. Encouraging independence and clearly communicating boundaries are essential to fostering confidence in teenagers.

1. Boulder Creek Academy
Helping a Teen Build Self-Esteem

2. Introduction
 A therapeutic boarding school located at the base of
Idaho’s Cabinet Mountains, Boulder Creek Academy
teaches adolescents from 14 through 18 who have
behavioral, academic, or mental health challenges.
Boulder Creek Academy combines therapy and an
evidence-based curriculum to help students struggling with
challenges such as low self-esteem.
One of the simpler ways to help teenagers improve their
self-esteem is by being generous with praise. Rather than
focusing too much on what they may do wrong, focus on
their successes, and complement them for the effort they
put toward tasks.
However, do not go too heavy with praise. Too much
praise can appear insincere, and teens can tell when
someone is saying something simply to make them feel
good.

3. Self-Esteem
 When discussing a problem with teenagers, use a
concerned tone, and be constructive. Discuss the
problem in private, and avoiding using a hurtful or
demeaning tone.
When building teens' self-esteem, encourage
them to have opinions, and give them choices
that they are free to make. Teenagers benefit
greatly when they are given the freedom to
cultivate their interests and talents.
Expect teens to follow any boundaries you have
set. Communicate these rules clearly, and state
the consequences the teens will face if the
boundaries are overstepped.