The teen years are a difficult transition for even the healthiest kids--the metamorphosis from child to young adult is confusing, challenging and scary. Although most teens will exhibit behavioral changes during these years, parents can often sense when normal adolescent mood swings become a genuine problem. As a parent, you can take steps to help your troubled teen get through these years as healthily as possible. If you suspect that your teen is involved in self-destructive behaviors, such as drugs, or is contemplating suicide, seek professional help immediately.
Step 1
Define the problem. According to relationship expert Phil McGraw on the Dr. Phil website, it's important to determine the source of your teen's behavior. Although the teen years are a time of great flux, McGraw says a complete behavioral change is not a normal facet of adolescence. If your teen seems to have done a complete 180-degree personality change, it's important to determine why. There usually is a reason.
Step 2
Know what matters. According to Focus Adolescent Services, it's important to keep your priorities intact during your teen's struggles. If your teen is dealing with larger emotional, social or psychological problems, it's probably not in anyone's best interest to nitpick over a messy room or unkempt hair. In this case, save your energy for the more important battles.
Step 3
Provide a sounding board for your teen. McGraw says that although teens often seek autonomy and independence from their parents, they still need to feel loved, respected and understood. Talk to your child about the things he's dealing with at school, his friends, and the pressures he might encounter. Let him know you're there for him as a safe and unwavering source of support. This will make him less likely to seek out approval and support from questionable sources.
Step 4
Provide the parenting your teen needs. McGraw says your child might not like this, but she nevertheless might need it, particularly if she is involved in drugs, alcohol or other self-destructive behavior. It is important to know when to intervene, even if your teen doesn't understand at the time. It's during these times that it's crucial to put your role as parent above your role as friend, McGraw emphasizes.
Tips and Warnings
- Stay consistent and stick to your guns. Focus Adolescent reports that teens need a sense of consistency, and this includes you enforcing the rules you've established.
