How to Help a Teen

Parenting or mentoring a teen can lead you to uncharted territories. Teens can be emotionally volatile, prone to stress and mood swings. As you help a teen through the impressionable and often discouraging teen years, offering a listening ear and understanding mind can be an effective way to let a teen know you care. Whether your teen is worried about grades or susceptible to peer pressure, you can offer a hand of support to help your teen navigate the rocky waters of adolescence.

Step 1

Encourage communication whenever possible. Even if your teen becomes uncomfortable or irritated when you try and talk with her, it's important to let her know the channels of communication are open. Use casual moments in the car or while watching television to talk to her about her friends, sexuality and school work. Make communication a family affair around the dinner table and create an atmosphere where it's normal and natural to share.

Step 2

Offer your teen clear expectations and consequences. While it may seem easier and more desirable to take on a "friend" role around your teen, a teen is still technically a child and needs direct guidelines on acceptable behavior and boundaries. When those expectations and boundaries are violated, consistently follow disciplinary tactics and natural consequences to teach your teen the importance of following rules.

Step 3

Give your teen positive feedback. While negative feedback may be a knee-jerk reaction when your teen breaks the rules or disappoints you, the American Academy of Family Physicians notes that most teens respond better to positive feedback and reinforcement. Focus on the positive when possible, so your teen learns to appreciate and respect your feedback. If you offer continually negative thoughts and suggestions, your teen may learn to discount what you say. It could also injure his already-fragile self esteem.

Step 4

Offer better alternatives for your teen whenever possible. For instance, if your teen wants to go to a party without adult supervision, offer your basement or backyard as a safer, better alternative. Whenever possible, give your teen better options to make the best possible decisions. Peers can have too much sway in what your teen says or does, but by being communicative and flexible, you show your teen that her peers' way isn't the only way.