Stressed-Out Teenager: 5 Ways Concerned Parents Can Save a Stressed-Out Teenager
If you're living with a teenager that has just entered high school or is just about to start, you're probably living with a rollercoaster ride of emotions and outbursts.
Tell me.
Does your teenager come home and head straight for their room without saying a word to you or the rest of the family? Do they stay in their room until it's time for dinner and then wait until the food is cold to get a plate? Do they yell at you to take them somewhere 20 minutes before a place is due to close and you live 30 minutes away? Chances are, you have a stressed-out teenager.
Studies show that 43% of 13-14 year olds feel stressed, while 59 % of 15-17 year olds feel stressed.
So now what? How do you get the peace back into your life and your household? How do you give them the support they need without pushing them further away from you? Here are 5 things you can do to help your stressed-out teenager find peace and rebuild family relationships: *Listen.
Teenagers are known for talking a lot with their friends, but poor with talking about their problems.
So, when they decide to open up and discuss their life with you, take great care to listen to what they say.
Give them time to vent and get it out of their system without interruption.
Don't offer advice unless they ask you for it.
If you do give advice, try to stay objective and non-judgmental.
Most of the time, they want the chance to figure it out on their own.
*Acknowledge accomplishments.
When anyone is stressed, it's hard to see the good things when so many traumatic things are consuming your thoughts.
So, take the time to remind your teenager of all the positive things they have done to get this far in their life and how hard it was to achieve it.
The more they can see how much they have already endured, the more they can begin to realize how much power they have to get through the current situation.
*Give sincere compliments.
Teenagers love to be recognized and appreciated.
We all do.
So, whenever you see an opportunity to tell them how much you admire them for doing the things they do, the more you build their confidence to face their day.
For example, if your son finally remembered to take out the trash before leaving the house for school, say "Thank you" and tell him how proud you are that he remembered without being reminded.
It really goes a long way.
*Be Honest, but Gentle.
Always answer your child with honesty and compassion.
If you don't, they could build a false sense of self and grow up to resent you and your opinions.
For example, if your teenager asks you if you like their outfit and you don't, say "it wouldn't be my choice for you, but I don't really understand the styles of today.
" That will give them a sense of responsibility to take another look at the outfit or live with the decision they have made.
No matter what they decide, your conscience is clear, because you told the truth.
*Be Encouraging.
Encourage your child to talk to you often and remind them that they have your support.
Encourage good eating habits, exercise and plenty of sleep.
Ask them to download music and inspirational messages on their iPhone that gives them peace and tranquility.
Remember, teenagers have to face hard challenges in life just like parents do.
If we can give them the support they need while they are still living at home, we can better prepare them for the challenges they will face on their own.
Tell me.
Does your teenager come home and head straight for their room without saying a word to you or the rest of the family? Do they stay in their room until it's time for dinner and then wait until the food is cold to get a plate? Do they yell at you to take them somewhere 20 minutes before a place is due to close and you live 30 minutes away? Chances are, you have a stressed-out teenager.
Studies show that 43% of 13-14 year olds feel stressed, while 59 % of 15-17 year olds feel stressed.
So now what? How do you get the peace back into your life and your household? How do you give them the support they need without pushing them further away from you? Here are 5 things you can do to help your stressed-out teenager find peace and rebuild family relationships: *Listen.
Teenagers are known for talking a lot with their friends, but poor with talking about their problems.
So, when they decide to open up and discuss their life with you, take great care to listen to what they say.
Give them time to vent and get it out of their system without interruption.
Don't offer advice unless they ask you for it.
If you do give advice, try to stay objective and non-judgmental.
Most of the time, they want the chance to figure it out on their own.
*Acknowledge accomplishments.
When anyone is stressed, it's hard to see the good things when so many traumatic things are consuming your thoughts.
So, take the time to remind your teenager of all the positive things they have done to get this far in their life and how hard it was to achieve it.
The more they can see how much they have already endured, the more they can begin to realize how much power they have to get through the current situation.
*Give sincere compliments.
Teenagers love to be recognized and appreciated.
We all do.
So, whenever you see an opportunity to tell them how much you admire them for doing the things they do, the more you build their confidence to face their day.
For example, if your son finally remembered to take out the trash before leaving the house for school, say "Thank you" and tell him how proud you are that he remembered without being reminded.
It really goes a long way.
*Be Honest, but Gentle.
Always answer your child with honesty and compassion.
If you don't, they could build a false sense of self and grow up to resent you and your opinions.
For example, if your teenager asks you if you like their outfit and you don't, say "it wouldn't be my choice for you, but I don't really understand the styles of today.
" That will give them a sense of responsibility to take another look at the outfit or live with the decision they have made.
No matter what they decide, your conscience is clear, because you told the truth.
*Be Encouraging.
Encourage your child to talk to you often and remind them that they have your support.
Encourage good eating habits, exercise and plenty of sleep.
Ask them to download music and inspirational messages on their iPhone that gives them peace and tranquility.
Remember, teenagers have to face hard challenges in life just like parents do.
If we can give them the support they need while they are still living at home, we can better prepare them for the challenges they will face on their own.
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