Four things you can do to support your teen’s emotional development

Helping your teens grow through emotional changes

If you have a teen at home, you know how real the struggle is. They are undergoing drastic changes, both physically and emotionally. They have a brain that’s developing into an adult’s brain, yet not fully there. They seem extremely unsure one time and snappy and egoist the next. And with the invasion of technology in their lives, their life is as chaotic in their head as can be!

But were we too different as teens? The acne, the first crush, the growing bodies, feeling judged at all times, and the snip of the finger in which their best day turns into their worst!

While we cannot generalize teen behavior, they all are struggling with their self-esteem, confidence, growth, maturity, and intelligence at some level. We spoke to experts to find ways parents can help their teen wade through these years and emerge stronger emotionally and mentally.

TIP 1: Encourage them to build healthy peer relationships

Positive peer relationships are extremely crucial at this stage. Teens with more friends are more confident and also find adequate emotional support when needed. Teach them that they should identify qualities they value in a friend and accordingly invest their time and energy in them. Moreover, they need to be taught that they should have friends who treat them with respect. One great way to find friends is by joining group classes like sports, dance or clubs. Meeting new people can be tough but let them know that feeling shy is normal and try to create a positive frame of mind while talking to someone new

TIP 2: Talk about the ill effects of substance abuse

We all have been there. We have seen our peers try smoking or weed and chosen to stay away from it. But sometimes the pressure of fitting in can make your teen try things that are not good for them. So what do you do? You cannot control the choices they make but you can start educating them early on how drugs and alcohol can be detrimental to their body and mind. And don’t stop at one – have multiple conversations around the topic to ensure that the message gets delivered and gets absorbed too.

TIP 3: Tweak the way you talk to them about difficult situations

Teenagers are not kids but they are not adults either so you need to approach difficult subjects with maturity and understanding. Do not impose what you feel is right on them – but initiate a discussion. Slip in alarming statistics stating the impact of irresponsible sex, drugs, or alcohol or identify TV series you can watch together that address these issues.

TIP 4: Be available!

Your teen goes through some really difficult times in their minds. You don’t have to be too intrusive in their lives that they crave boundaries but be available.. Take out time every day to talk about your day and life and allow them to talk about theirs. Never should they feel that they cannot come to you to discuss pressing issues. Be their constant support!

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