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Parenting Your Adolescent
Did You Know...
* Girls show a marked decline in self-esteem at the onset of puberty
* Most teens report wanting to spend more one-on-one time with their parents
* 15-18 year olds are trying to answer the question, "Who am I?"
* The more parents try to control who their child can or cannot see, the more attractive the forbidden individual may seem
* During mid-adolescence, (ages 15-18) parents are less likely to see rapid mood fluctuations
* Teen depression is on the rise
Signs of depression in adolescents include~
* extreme changes in the way they feel, think, and act
* sleeping problems (too much or too little)
* overeating or loss of appetite
* indigestion
* headaches
* nausea
* aches and pains for no known reason
* fatigue, lack of energy, or no motivation
* difficulty remembering or concentrating
* loss of interest in something they recently enjoyed
* pessimism
* believing no one cares about them
* poor hygiene
* aggression
* withdrawing
* crying more than usual
If you notice changes in your child that persist for more than 2-4 weeks, please contact the guidance counselor or a healthcare professional - don't wait too long.
As a parent, hang on to these key principles:
* Even though your adolescents imply that you should get out of their lives, very few really mean that or want that. This is a stage, and when it's over, it's very likely they may end up to be a lot like you!
* Don't let go all at once. Adolescents are not yet mature, even though they are striving to be. It is best for parents to take baby steps - as your teen proves they can handle responsibility, you can give them a little more rope.
* Try not to get defensive. Help your teen channel the rebellious push for independence, but don't condemn him/her.
* Realize that when your adolescent tries to push you away, it is developmentally natural, not personal.
* Making a weekly "date" with your child can be one of the best things you do. Whether it's going out for ice cream, taking a walk, or going to a movie, the time you spend can help your adolecent's self-esteem, and help them make better decisions. This is not a time to interrogate - just have real conversations, and let your teen know that what they have to say is important to you.
How to deal with sexual involvement...
* Make sure your teen knows where you stand on this issue, but do not preach about how wrong it is to have sex - adolescents will tune you out because they think they are old enough to make this decision for themselves
* Initiate frank, open discussions, keeping in mind that many teenagers still subscribe to the personal fable that, "It won't happen to me." Help your teenager see the risks involved with sexual activity and explore the characteristics and realities of meaningful relationships and commitment.
* As you talk, gently ask about what your teen really knows. It is very important that they get accurate information, and if you aren't talking to them, they are getting information from their friends.
* You may think that you are encouraging sexual activity if you discuss birth control, but in reality you are discouraging sexual irresponsibility IF your teenager shares with you that he or she is already sexually active.
Helpful Web Resources:
1. www.parentingadolescents.com
2. www.focusas.com
3. www.teenpregnancy.org
Please feel free to contact me at 988-4226 with any questions or concerns you may have.
Did You Know...
* Girls show a marked decline in self-esteem at the onset of puberty
* Most teens report wanting to spend more one-on-one time with their parents
* 15-18 year olds are trying to answer the question, "Who am I?"
* The more parents try to control who their child can or cannot see, the more attractive the forbidden individual may seem
* During mid-adolescence, (ages 15-18) parents are less likely to see rapid mood fluctuations
* Teen depression is on the rise
Signs of depression in adolescents include~
* extreme changes in the way they feel, think, and act
* sleeping problems (too much or too little)
* overeating or loss of appetite
* indigestion
* headaches
* nausea
* aches and pains for no known reason
* fatigue, lack of energy, or no motivation
* difficulty remembering or concentrating
* loss of interest in something they recently enjoyed
* pessimism
* believing no one cares about them
* poor hygiene
* aggression
* withdrawing
* crying more than usual
If you notice changes in your child that persist for more than 2-4 weeks, please contact the guidance counselor or a healthcare professional - don't wait too long.
As a parent, hang on to these key principles:
* Even though your adolescents imply that you should get out of their lives, very few really mean that or want that. This is a stage, and when it's over, it's very likely they may end up to be a lot like you!
* Don't let go all at once. Adolescents are not yet mature, even though they are striving to be. It is best for parents to take baby steps - as your teen proves they can handle responsibility, you can give them a little more rope.
* Try not to get defensive. Help your teen channel the rebellious push for independence, but don't condemn him/her.
* Realize that when your adolescent tries to push you away, it is developmentally natural, not personal.
* Making a weekly "date" with your child can be one of the best things you do. Whether it's going out for ice cream, taking a walk, or going to a movie, the time you spend can help your adolecent's self-esteem, and help them make better decisions. This is not a time to interrogate - just have real conversations, and let your teen know that what they have to say is important to you.
How to deal with sexual involvement...
* Make sure your teen knows where you stand on this issue, but do not preach about how wrong it is to have sex - adolescents will tune you out because they think they are old enough to make this decision for themselves
* Initiate frank, open discussions, keeping in mind that many teenagers still subscribe to the personal fable that, "It won't happen to me." Help your teenager see the risks involved with sexual activity and explore the characteristics and realities of meaningful relationships and commitment.
* As you talk, gently ask about what your teen really knows. It is very important that they get accurate information, and if you aren't talking to them, they are getting information from their friends.
* You may think that you are encouraging sexual activity if you discuss birth control, but in reality you are discouraging sexual irresponsibility IF your teenager shares with you that he or she is already sexually active.
Helpful Web Resources:
1. www.parentingadolescents.com
2. www.focusas.com
3. www.teenpregnancy.org
Please feel free to contact me at 988-4226 with any questions or concerns you may have.
