Posts Tagged ‘parenting teens’
When Does Teen Reckless Behavior Go Too Far?
What does reckless behavior look like, and how should parents of teens respond? This helpful guide answers those questions and more.
Read MoreCan Social Media Be a Positive Influence on Teens?
Social media platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Twitter, and Instagram play a large role in the lives of teens. We hear about the risks all the time, such as Internet addiction, cyberbullies, scammers, and predators. But we don’t always hear about the benefits of social media and the many aspects of social media that are positive…
Read MoreAdderall and Ritalin Misuse: What Parents Need To Know
Learn why teens misuse Adderall and Ritalin, the signs and symptoms, how teens with ADHD are affected, the risks of addiction, and how to help.
Read MoreThe Importance of Setting Healthy Boundaries With Your Teen
When teens and young adults are facing mental health issues, they need a healthy, safe, and secure environment. Setting boundaries is essential to creating this type of environment. When children predictably and reliably experience acceptance in the form of boundaries, consistent and safe nurturing, and responsiveness from a trusted caregiver, they internalize the experience of having inherent self-worth and value. Using Commitment, Acceptance,…
Read MoreAsk a Therapist: My Teen Is Acting Out. What Should I Do?
Ask a Therapist: My teen ran away and stayed out with friends all night again, drinking and smoking. I’m concerned about these behavioral problems and wonder if they are warning signs. What should I do? What should I say to address the negative behavior? Emily Thelen, clinical director at Milestones by Chrysalis, has answers for you. She acknowledged that it’s hard to be a parent because no two teens are…
Read MoreAsk a Therapist: My Teen Says I Don’t Understand Them. What Do I Do?
During an argument, my teenager said, “You don’t understand me.” This caught me off guard. I’ve known them their entire life and I’m with them nearly every day, of course I understand them! What should I do? While you do know your child, it’s important to recognize that knowing your teen is different than connecting with them. And, as…
Read MoreAsk a Therapist: How Do I Tell My Teen They’re Going to A Residential Treatment Center?
We’ve tried outpatient programs and other treatment options for my child, but it seems like they need a different level of care. It’s time to send them to a residential treatment center. I know this is the right decision, but I’m nervous about its effects on my relationship with my child. Will my child feel like I’m abandoning them if I…
Read MoreAsk A Therapist: What Do I Do If My Child Is Getting Bullied Online?
As parents and guardians, bullying looks dramatically different for today’s kids compared to what we may have experienced. For starters, bullying isn’t just present in the school or at the local hangouts anymore — it can now follow our kids wherever they go. Furthermore, cyberbullying allows this threat to extend outside of the child’s peer group to complete strangers. Scott Boice, clinical director…
Read MoreTeen Angst: What to Expect During the Teenage Years
Teen angst can often involve arguing, emotionality, storming off, sullenness, and drama. Understandably, this behavior often leaves parents exasperated, frustrated, and hurt. How do you handle teen angst, especially as it’s part of being a typical teen? And, how do you know if this behavior is “normal teen” moodiness or if it’s something more? Are teenage mood swings typical? We asked Alex Hamilton, Clinical Director of Lake House Academy, about teen angst and…
Read More5 Solid Steps to Guard Your Teen Against Social Media Addiction and Other Online Threats
Parents are concerned about social media addiction and how much time their teens spend on social networking sites. Seeing their kids on their phones or in front of their laptops frequently may lead parents to wonder, “Do we have an internet addiction problem?” The Negative Effects of Social Media Use The use of social media and technology keeps us connected to family and friends who…
Read More4 Essential Strategies for Parenting a Teenage Girl with a Mental Illness
Your teenage girl has been diagnosed with a mental illness. As a parent, you want to do everything you can to understand the mental health condition and help your loved one. You might feel relieved to have an explanation for why she’s shown a lack of interest and has been withdrawn, lashing out, experiencing mood swings, and other warning signs —…
Read MoreWhat Parents Need to Know About Preventing the Tragedy of Teen Suicide
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. When a teen resorts to suicide and parents, family members, and friends are left to grieve the death of their teen, it is a tragedy. We don’t like to think about teens — still children, experiencing that level of anguish. As a parent, the thought of one’s own child turning…
Read More