Teaching children self-respect, however, does not mean complimenting everything they do. They also need honest criticism from time to time. When we do criticize, we should focus on things they have done, not on them personally.

What You Can Do

· Encourage your child to build a positive identity that focuses on her integrity and talents.

· Emphasize that character is built upon decisions and actions a person takes each day

· Work with your child to help him reach his full potential by encouraging him to develop his talents, set reachable goals and honor himself as a unique person.

Teach your child how to choose good values. Help her reason about what are worthy goals and what are proper means to reach those goals.

What You Can Do Be a model of honest relations with others. Discuss with your child what honesty is and is not. Point out, for example, that being honest doesn't mean telling someone you think he looks ugly. Kindness goes along with honesty. Discuss fairness (chances are that your child will bring it up) in different situations. For example, how do we show fairness in our family?

What does fairness mean to community? What were standards of fairness in past? Talk about how you try to be fair in your life and work. What issues of justice have you wrestled with? Your adolescent will be particularly interested in talking with you about these things.