Doesn't it seem like just yesterday that you were changing diapers and getting your children ready for their first day of school? Now you have teenagers and you're helping them to face new experiences. It's not uncommon for teens to feel like they are incompetent, unloved, or inferior. Here are some ideas that might inspire you to boost your children's self-confidence.

Build Unity In Your Family - Whether your teens have one or two parents involved in their lives, there's nothing quite like feeling that home is a refuge -- a place where you are unconditionally loved and accepted. To help your child feel this way at home, consider trying some of the following things:

Have fun as a family! Having meals together as often as possible is a great way to share what's going on in each person's life. In addition, consider having at least one night a week where you play together. Watching a movie at home, going bowling, or simply playing board games together can be a way of relaxing and laughing as you enjoy time together. 

Consider having an evening of recognition. Each person says something positive about every other family member. It can be as simple as acknowledging a smile or help with homework, or it can be expressing admiration for a skill, like improved piano playing. 

Keep the lines of communication open. Even if it means that you'll be losing sleep, be ready to talk to your teenagers whenever they feel like they need to unburden problems or simply chat with you. Sometimes those simple conversations lead to the disclosure of something big, like the fact that your teen is being bullied or feeling neglected.

​Build Your Teen's Persona - Feeling that you are of worth often comes from accomplishments.

Perhaps your teenagers would like to learn a new skill. Whether it's carpentering, decorating, or anything else that requires effort, it might be good for you to offer lessons.

How about grades? If your teens are not doing well at school, consider getting a tutor to help them along. If it's too expensive, think about swapping something you're good at for time spent with your children. For example, if you're a good cook, perhaps you could prepare an evening meal for the person who is giving his or her time helping your children.

Another great way your teenagers will feel they are of value is by giving service. Visiting nursing homes, taking books to read to children in the hospital, volunteering at an animal shelter or doing yard work for an elderly friend are just a few ways that your children can give of themselves, and they will also be blessed.

Help With Personal Appearance - Hopefully you have developed the kind of relationship where your teens can express that they need help in improving their appearance. If not, you may have to take the first step. 

For example, is it time to say good bye to the Harry Potter glasses and get new contact lenses? Although it may take some getting used to, even very young teenagers can handle taking care of their own contact lens care.

Go shopping! Even guys like to buy clothes. Set an amount you can spend, and make a list before you leave the house. After the initial shopping trip, consider having your teens earn their own money to buy new clothes. 

Did you ever go through having zits when you were a kid? For many teens, it's not a big deal, especially if the problem is not severe. There's over-the-counter products that will probably do the job if it's a minor problem. However, if you realize that your teens need professional help, head to a dermatologist like those at Appearance Dermatology. After a thorough evaluation, the dermatologist might recommend acne chemical peels, blue light therapy or even medication. If medication is prescribed, it will be important for your teens to be religious in taking it. In addition, the dermatologist will help your teens with a good skin care regimen to do at home.