Parents looking for effective therapy methods to help a struggling young boy with low self-esteem, can learn about how we can help him at our rustic ranch and behavioral treatment boarding school in rural Wyoming. 

Oasis Boys Ranch’s staff understands that parents want to send a young boy or teen to a safe, monitored environment where he receives personal care, and individual therapy that helps heal emotional and mental disorders–whether brought on by trauma, foster care, adoption or family genetics. 

And while the young boy or teen enrolls our therapeutic boarding school for counseling, treatment, and improving academic/life skills, Oasis Boys Ranch also helps boys with low self-esteem improve their mental and physical health. 

Understanding the Importance of Good Self-Esteem in Young Boys

For kids and teens, self-worth encompasses how much they like who they are and how satisfied they are with themselves. 1 

Good self-esteem provides the fuel for seeking out challenges, coping with adversity, developing positive relationships with peers, and taking good care of oneself. It leads kids and teens to value who they are and to strive to be their best self. 

On the other hand, low self-worth can undermine a belief in oneself and reduce motivation to invest in schoolwork and extracurricular activities, and numb the curiosity which drives the pursuit of interests. It can lead kids/teens to become socially withdrawn and develop unhealthy ways of dealing with problems, putting them at risk for anxiety and depression. 

As every child will experience challenges and setbacks, what are the signs that something deeper is happening, something which is shaking their sense of self? The fundamental principle is to detect systematic changes in their behavior that go beyond the usual fluctuations.

Consider the following:

1. Increasing and persistent physical complaints—especially of headaches and stomachaches—along more general expressions of not feeling good.
2. Changes in basic daily routines, including sleep (too much or too little) and eating (too much or too little), especially on school days.
3. Acting out (being irritable, having outbursts, being noncompliant) and/or withdrawing (being non-responsive, not talking as much).
4. Expressions of frustration and boredom.
5. Increasing negativity about themselves and/or anxieties about capabilities.

How Self-Esteem Develops

Self-esteem can start as early as babyhood. It develops slowly over time. It can start just because a child feels safe, loved, and accepted. It can start when a baby gets positive attention and loving care.

As babies become toddlers and young children, they’re able to do some things all by themselves. They feel good about themselves when they can use their new skills. Their self-esteem grows when parents pay attention, let a child try, give smiles, and show they’re proud.

As kids grow, self-esteem can grow too. Any time kids try things, do things, and learn things can be a chance for self-esteem to grow. 

This can happen when kids:

• make progress toward a goal
• learn things at school
• make friends and get along
• learn skills — music, sports, art, cooking, tech skills
• practice favorite activities
• help, give, or be kind 
• get praise for good behaviors
• try hard at something
• do things they’re good at and enjoy
• are included by others
• feel understood and accepted
• get a prize or a good grade they know they’ve earned

When kids have self-esteem, they feel confident, capable, and accepted for who they are. 2

The Importance of Independence to Self-Esteem

Without a doubt, the more people learn how to be independent and do things independently, the higher their self-esteem will be, and the better they’re going to feel about themselves.

Independence is one of the most important characteristics that a child can have. In fact, if you tested kids with solid self-esteem, you would find that they score high on independence and high on problem-solving skills. 

But not all parents realize that because no one tells them that truth. Independence is one of the most important qualities a child can acquire in life, and parents should be helping build that independence. 3

Experiential Learning and Challenges Help Struggling Boys Heal

Oasis Boys Ranch Boys Ranch and School near Powell, WY wants to help your young boy heal and grow. Through back-country wilderness expeditions, Oasis Boys Ranch staff helps by pushing the boundaries of a boy’s knowledge and skills.

At Oasis Boys Ranch, he will be exposed to situations and provided the knowledge to overcome obstacles within himself and his environment. Through one on one counseling and training, an at-risk boy with behavior issues can renew and dignify his mind, body and spirit. Your struggling son will also learn things about ranch management and living the “simple” way of life.

To learn more about Oasis Boys Ranch’s unique alternative to traditional methods of behavioral treatment for at-risk boys (ages 10-17), explore our website, and give us a call today at (307)899-1690. 

Sources:

1. https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/advice/im-a-mom-and/im-a-dad-and-a-psychologist-these-are-the-signs-of-low-self-worth-in-kids-and-how-to-help/
2. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/self-esteem.html
3. https://www.empoweringparents.com/article/low-self-esteem-in-kids-part-i-forget-what-youve-heard-its-a-myth/