A Good Word

This was part of a longer article. See the reference below.
I've been thinking about this a lot in the last few months. So this paragraph really stuck out to me when I read it. I mentioned before that I think units on self-esteem/self-image ought to be in your overall plan for your youth curriculum.

Self-Image
Remind them of their uniqueness—that they are special in God's eyes. It's worthwhile to remind your kids that God loves them for who they are, not for what they do. A healthy self-image goes a long way in protecting kids from the negative effects of peer pressure. Teach your kids that each person is a special creation of God. As such, each has the freedom to become all whom God has created him to be. A person who understands that she is loved by God will not be as motivated to conform to peer pressure—and is much more likely to be a positive influence on others.
Jim Burns
The Power of Positive Peer Influence
YM on-line magazine Nov 10, 2009