{"id":870,"date":"2015-10-28T10:30:58","date_gmt":"2015-10-28T10:30:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thewisefamily.com\/?p=870"},"modified":"2015-10-28T10:30:58","modified_gmt":"2015-10-28T10:30:58","slug":"teens-and-stress-the-411","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thewisefamily.com\/teens-and-stress-the-411\/","title":{"rendered":"Teens and Stress: The 411"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"TEENS<\/p>\n

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Wouldn\u2019t it be nice if parents could control everything about their children! You\u00a0know, just for a little while, say maybe until they’re 30. But, of course, that’s not the way\u00a0life works.<\/p>\n

Growing up means learning to be more independent, to take responsibility and, sometimes, to even make mistakes.<\/p>\n

While we want to protect our children, it’s also\u00a0important that we give them room to grow and develop. One of the hardest places to give kids space is when you sometimes see the effects that peer pressure can have on your son or daughter. During the teen years the opinions and actions of their friends often count more than Mom’s or Dad’s opinions and advice. It’s easy to understand. The teenage years are a period of uncertainty. Bodies are changing, interests are changing, and they’re beginning to see the adult world just over the horizon.<\/p>\n

Many kids feel insecure and lacking in confidence at these times. Others have a \u201cfake it \u2018til you make it\u201d attitude! There’s comfort in being accepted, in “fitting in,” and giving in to peer pressure.<\/p>\n

Does that mean that we parents are helpless? Not necessarily. The key is to recognize the pressures your teen is facing. A starting point is opening up more communication with your teen. While difficult, it can happen when you show you’re genuinely interested in your teen’s life. Try questions that give your teen a chance to talk about what he or she is doing and feeling.<\/p>\n

Find a time when you are both relaxed – during dinner, while driving to football practice or during a walk with the dog. Be gentle but persistent.<\/p>\n

Here are a few suggestions –<\/p>\n