Sometimes, kids can make poor choices and may be too afraid to seek help. Make sure your kids are not afraid to come to you when they make a mistake. Demonstrate that you can listen without judging or overreacting and instead find healthy ways for them to make amends and move on. Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter can be great ways for teens to connect with one another; but social media can be problematic for several reasons.
For instance, social media can expose your teen to cyberbullying , slut-shaming , and so much more. Social media can have a negative impact on friendships and is changing the way teens date. It can even impact their mental health.
While there are measures being put into place to reduce the risks kids face online, it's important for parents to get involved. Help your teen learn how to navigate social media in a healthy way. Talk about ways to stay safe online. And most importantly, know what your teen is doing online. Educate yourself about the latest apps, websites, and social media pages teens are using and take steps to keep your teen safe. You may even want to take steps to limit your teen's screen time.
Teenagers are going to witness some violent media at one time or another. And it's not just TV, music, and movies that depict violence. Many of today's violent video games portray gory scenes and disturbing acts of aggression.
Over the past couple of decades, studies have linked watching violence to a lack of empathy and even aggressive behavior. According to Common Sense Media, the more violence that parents watch, the more likely they are to think it's OK for their kids to view. Don't allow teens to watch R-rated movies or to play M-rated video games. It's not healthy for them to consume that material in excess and unsupervised.
Also, talk to your teen about the dangers of being exposed to violent images and monitor your teen's mental state. It's also important to talk about sexual situations and racial stereotypes that your teen might see. Teens need to learn how to identify what is good and what is bad about the media. It helps them become a healthier consumer when they can think objectively about what they are seeing online, in the movie theater, or in a video game.
Bringing up any difficult subjects with your teen can feel uncomfortable. And your teen isn't likely to respond well to a lengthy lecture or too many direct questions. But having a conversation with your teen about difficult issues is not something you should shy away from.
Even when it seems like they are not listening, you are the most influential person in your teen's life. It is important to lay a strong foundation before the window of opportunity closes. A good way to strike up a conversation about drugs, sex, juuling , or other uncomfortable situations is to ask a question like, "Do you think this is a big issue at your school?
Listen to what your teen has to say. Try not to be judgmental, but make your expectations and opinions clear. It is important that your teen understands that you don't condone certain behaviors and that they know the consequences of breaking your rules. Get diet and wellness tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy.
J Res Adolesc. Spies shapiro LA, Margolin G. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev. Common Sense Media. Landmark Report: U. National Institute of Mental Health. Family relationships — valued highly by Friendships other than family - valued highly by School or study satisfaction - valued highly by The top ten issues of personal concern for young people Survey participants were asked to rate how concerned they were about a number of issues and rate their level of concern on a 5 point scale ranging from extremely concerned to not concerned at all.
The top ten issues of concern for young people were: 1. Coping with stress School or study problems Mental health awareness Body image Physical health Personal safety Family conflict At the same time, kids this age are increasingly aware of how others, especially their peers, see them and are desperately trying to fit in.
Their peers often become much more important than parents as far as making decisions. Kids often start "trying on" different looks and identities, and they become very aware of how they differ from their peers, which can result in episodes of distress and conflict with parents.
One of the common stereotypes of adolescence is the rebellious, wild teen continually at odds with mom and dad. Although it may be the case for some kids and this is a time of emotional ups and downs, that stereotype certainly is not representative of most teens. But the primary goal of the teen years is to achieve independence. To do this, teens must start pulling away from their parents — especially the parent whom they're the closest to.
This can feel like teens are always at odds with parents or don't want to be around them the way they used to. As teens mature, they start to think more abstractly and rationally. They're forming their moral code. And parents of teens may find that kids who previously had been willing to conform to please them will suddenly begin asserting themselves — and their opinions — strongly and rebelling against parental control. You may need to look closely at how much room you give your teen to be an individual and ask yourself questions such as: "Am I a controlling parent?
Read books about teenagers. Think back on your own teen years. Remember your struggles with acne or your embarrassment at developing early — or late. Expect some mood changes in your typically sunny child, and be prepared for more conflict as he or she matures as an individual. Parents who know what's coming can cope with it better. And the more you know, the better you can prepare.
Starting to talk about menstruation or wet dreams after they've already begun is starting too late. Answer the early questions kids have about bodies, such as the differences between boys and girls and where babies come from. But don't overload them with information — just answer their questions. If you don't know the answers, get them from someone who does, like a trusted friend or your pediatrician. You know your kids. You can hear when your child's starting to tell jokes about sex or when attention to personal appearance is increasing.
This is a good time to jump in with your own questions such as:. A yearly physical exam is a great time to talk about this. A doctor can tell your preadolescent — and you — what to expect in the next few years.
The later you wait to have these talks, the more likely your child will be to form misconceptions or become embarrassed about or afraid of physical and emotional changes. If you're unsure how your teenager is coping, look out for these changes in their mood or behaviour, then use our resources to support them:.
If your teen is more stressed than usual, talk to them about what's going on. Share positive coping strategies with them, or direct them towards an app, like the ReachOut Breathe app , helping people manage their anxiety.
ReachOut Parents One-on-One Support can connect you with a family professional to discuss any concerns you have.
You can also connect with other parents who are in the same situation as you in our anonymous parents forums.
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