SUPPORT FOR Parenting TEENS

sherwood park & edmonton, alberta

Life isn’t the picture-perfect reality

we see on social media.

Those highlight reels of families with their picture-perfect family photos, vacation moments, and big smiles isn’t the reality for many families. In a great many families, family issues and problematic dynamics can be a major challenge. Perhaps your teenager or child is having emotional or behavioral issues of their own.

This can greatly impact the mental health of parents. 

It can be hard to admit that you need parenting support.  Additionally, it can be a challenge to admit that parenting isn’t what you thought it would be. Furthermore, it can be hard to ask for help.

The Parent - Teen Relationship

As parents, we want a close relationship with our teen but sometimes, despite our best intentions, we find our teen drifting further away. In our child’s early years, parents are often the most important figure in their world. As children get older, there is a natural separation of independence and seeking approval from their peers instead of their parent.

Teens begin to make decisions about things that have real consequences such as school and friends and encountering the pressures of social media. Teens are not yet good at regulating their emotions and can make impulsive and sometimes negative decisions. Having a healthy and trusting parent-child relationship during the teen years is of the utmost importance.

Tips to keep an open connection with your teen:

  1. Be available to listen and empathize

  2. Keep advice to a minimum

  3. Try not to solve all of your teens problems

  4. Welcome your teens friends

  5. Don’t take everything personally

  6. Welcome your teens expressions of independence