As your teen heads back to class this fall, don't miss an opportunity to connect with them before school pressures become overwhelming.
Family coach Sean Donohue has been helping bridge the gap between parents and modern teens his entire life. We all know the difficulties of social media and phone addictions, and how they might hinder your family life. It’s important we all keep a clear conversation with our teenagers as often as possible.
Donohue gives three essential tips to chat with your teen about as peer pressure, academic stress, and social commitments take over our kids’ world.
Mental and emotional health
Academic health is super important, but these days it seems like we as parents need to also check on our kids' emotional and mental health. It’s an entirely different school experience than when you might have been in school. These social media applications are causing more demand on our kids, which could lead to jealousy, depression, and anger issues. Keep an eye on your kids' mental and emotional status as much as possible.
Tobacco and nicotine
Believe it or not, this is still a HUGE problem with kids. Donohue says he’s been helping kids as young as middle school ditch the nicotine habit. Vaping is the new cool thing to do (among their peers). It’s important to keep an eye on your kids and make sure they’re aware of how dangerous this is for their health.
Be encouraging
Your kids need your support more than you know. Be there for them, and let them know that you’re in their corner. Allow your child to come to you with any problem he or she might be having, and let them know they are in a judge-free zone. It might be hard to do this since you’re trying to coach them and let them know what’s right and wrong, but Donohue says it’s vitally important to keep a healthy relationship with your child so that you can help guide them in life. If you don’t hold the door open for communication, they’ll begin to shut you out. Empower them and help them succeed as best as possible.
