How to Help Your Teen (and Yourself) Survive Teenagehood

Isla Ann Wright - 8 Oct 17

Adolescence is the period when your sweet little child who has always looked up to you becomes an impossible teen who seems to despise you for no reason. Although you’ll wish to run away for a while until the dust settles, it will be easier for both of you if you find the right approach to deal with their teen problems. As they hit puberty, your teen undergoes both physical and cognitive changes and experiences emotional instability. Instead of trying to be your kid’s friend or, on the other hand, a dictator, you need to find the right balance, provide your teen with love and support while also remaining an authoritative figure. Here are some of the most common problems and possible solutions that will help you and your teen survive this turbulent period.

Depression: provide appropriate help

As the most common mental health problem among teens, depression is a serious issue that your teenager might be experiencing. One of the major problems is the fact that your teen can’t really differentiate between depression and sadness, so you need to keep an eye for possible symptoms. These symptoms include behavioural changes, irritability, extreme sadness, problems with sleeping, physical issues, such as headaches and stomach problems, preoccupation with death, feelings of sudden cheerfulness after a period of sadness, etc.
If you notice that your teen is experiencing these symptoms, you should first talk to your child and identify the problem. You need to be caring, loving and supportive, listen rather than talk and show them that they aren’t alone. However, if they continue to be depressed, you should consider seeking professional help for your teen.

Lack of connection with you: stay calm

During adolescence, teens differentiate themselves from their parents, trying to be more independent and shape their own identities. Your teen will rebel against you, reject you and roll their eyes on everything you say. You need to stay calm and play it cool. Don’t force them to spend time with you because neither of you will enjoy it this way. This period of rebellion is likely to pass by the time they are 17 and they will come back to you. What you shouldn’t do is respond to rejection with rejection. Yes, it’s difficult when your own child seemingly despises you and wants nothing to do with you. However, they still need you even if they don’t show it. So, stay calm and remember that this phase will quickly pass.

Body image: talk and then find an appropriate solution

This is the time when your teen undergoes major physical changes and becomes self-conscious about their body. They are exposed to unrealistic body expectations in media, may compare themselves to others and constantly criticise the way they look. Developing an unhealthy, negative body image can cause numerous problems, such as low self-esteem, depression and eating disorders. You need to help your child develop a positive body image and feel satisfied with the way they look.
First, talk to them about physical changes they’re going through, common problems, such as acne, weight, crooked teeth, and emphasise their qualities (not just physical). You should also stress that celebrity photos are typically airbrushed and portray unrealistic body image.
After talking with your child, you should find a solution to help them feel better about themselves. For example, you can implement a healthy diet and become more active as a family. If they aren’t satisfied with their weight, you can sign them up for a sport. If your teen feels uncomfortable about their crooked teeth, you can take them to a dentist and try some of the teeth straightening methods. Not only will this solve their appearance issue, but it will also boost their self-esteem and help them form a positive body image. Finally, make sure to be a positive role model who is physically active and feels satisfied with their own body.

Adolescence is a challenging period for both parents and teens. By dealing with these common problems appropriately, you might be even able to survive teenagehood.

Isla Ann Wright

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