Navigating the teenage years can feel like entering a whole new world for both parents and teens. As your child transitions from childhood to adolescence, they’re bound to encounter new challenges, emotions, and experiences. In this blog, we explore effective parenting strategies for maintaining open communication with your teen, understanding their unique emotional landscape, and offering them the support they need to thrive during this transformative time. Learn how to connect with your teenager, strengthen your relationship, and help them manage the complexities of adolescence with empathy and understanding.
So you have a newly minted teenager? Brace yourself! As your teen goes through changes and new experiences, there will be challenges for them—and you! Your top goal as a parent is to keep communication as open as possible. To that end, the first and most important recommendation is to say less.
Listen to what your teen says about their teachers, friends, epic video game battles, laments about their siblings or chores, and the shows, movies, and YouTubers they like. Practice active listening, which means letting your teen know you hear them with cues like nodding, maintaining eye contact, and offering encouragement like “Uh-huh,” “What?”, “Wow!”, and “No way!” You can ask a few questions to keep them talking but avoid being too intrusive, as this can make them put their guard up and shut down. Try not to insert your own point of view or ideas—remember, say less!
Finally, use empathy. Let your teen know you understand their unique feelings, perspectives, and experiences. If you have something important or a concern to discuss with your teen, set an appointment with them. Let them know there’s something on your mind that you’d like to talk over with them. This shows them respect and allows them to prepare for the conversation and consider what they might want to say.
The overall objective is to maintain open communication so that when your teen has something going on, they feel comfortable coming to you to vent, share, talk through, or get help.
Inside Out 2 gives us a closer look into the complexities of puberty. When Riley turned 13, she experienced new emotions, like Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui, all of which painted the emotional landscape of blooming adolescence. The storyline portrays puberty as a reconstruction project in the mind of a teenage girl, complete with a “pardon our dust, puberty is messy” sign. During puberty, the brain creates new neural connections that help balance emotional processing. The writer captured the shift that takes place from childhood to adolescence, depicting the reality of increased sensitivity and the tidal waves of big feelings that come with growing up.
Therapists can support parents through resources, normalizing the experience of puberty, strengthening coping strategies, and psychoeducation. Behavioral interventions can be used to manage mood swings, and positive reinforcement helps teens navigate challenges more smoothly.
Teen support comes through individual sessions/treatment plans and support groups. We recognize that each teen is unique and that their struggles, and the emotions attached to them, matter. Teens have a desire to be heard, accepted, and understood. Meet them where they are, validate their emotions, and allow them to grow into the beautiful humans they want to be. If all else fails, have a family movie night, and allow Joy, Envy, Anxiety, Disgust, Fear, Sadness, Embarrassment, Anger, and Ennui to guide you on your journey.
Parenting a teenager can be challenging, but with open communication and empathy, you can support your teen through the ups and downs of adolescence. Remember, your understanding and patience can help them become confident and resilient individuals. If you need more support, reach out to mental health professionals who specialize in adolescent development. You’re not alone in this journey!
Until next time, Be Wise!
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