Teen Success in Challenging Times

Teen Success in Challenging Times:
Practical Tips on How You Can Help Your Teenr
By Bobbi DePorterr
These are challenging and disruptive times for all of us – wars, the environment, the economy – and our kids, particularly teens, are being affected as well. Everywhere they turn there is talk of how bad things are and they take it in.
Whether your teen appears unsettled by today’s world events or not, there are things you can do to keep family relationships strong, keep the communication flowing, and provide guidance. Following are four key questions that many parents ask and some answers on how to help teens:
How can I help my teen to better understand what’s going on in the world, cope and be more resilient?
The most important thing you can do is to talk with your teen. Talking helps kids grasp how we’re feeling in general and how specific issues are affecting the family and its future plans. Encourage your kids to share their thoughts, feelings and questions.
What can we do to guide our teens through these challenging times?
Model with your actions and words how you want your kids to feel and behave. Pay attention also to how you interact with your spouse and friends. Minimize TV time devoted to negative news. Help your teen separate the facts from fiction and speculation.
How can I strengthen the connection with my teen?
Don’t try to solve a problem before fully understanding your teen’s perspective. Instead of jumping in to fix a problem, really listen to what your teen has to say. Pick a time when you think your son or daughter will be receptive to having a conversation and be completely attentive. Eventually, you will draw your teen into a relaxed conversation.
How can I instill core values to sustain my teen through challenging times?
Create a “home court advantage” for your kids. In sports, the home team has the support of fans and the comfort level of being in familiar surroundings. You can build this same feeling of support and comfort in your family. Recognize and discuss the values and beliefs your family lives by, through good times and bad. Instill a sense of safety, support, and belonging. Your teen will know he or she can turn to you for help, even in tough times.