Parenting a teen is a constant battle of wills. It feels like we are constantly fighting and just trying to plead our case with him to do the simplest things, like do your assignments when they are assigned, don’t be late for class, go to bed on time, do your chores (cleaning 2 rooms, 1x a week), and be nice to your brothers.

“I am worthy. “

Some days I can believe these words to be true, but other times it feels like a relentless battle and an unnecessary headache. Am I worthy? How do I define my worthiness? Is it in the way I look? What I am to do? How others see me? Asking myself these questions has made me realize that I may not fully understand what worthy is, or what it is I am hoping I am worthy of.

Growing up, you probably heard the word “self-esteem” a lot. How many times did your parents, teachers, and school counselors tell you how important it is to have healthy self-esteem? I’m sure you’ve heard many “self“ words: like self-compassion, self-acceptance, self-worth, etc. But what do those words really mean?