How Can We Keep Tabs on Our Teens Mental Health?

The teenage years are a difficult and confusing time. As an adult, it’s easy to chalk things up to raging hormones and teenage angst, but remember back to this time yourself. You feel like an adult but in many ways are still treated like a child. There are lots of changes in your life, and there’s pressure to fit in, do well, to enter into new friendships or relationships and plan for a future that you have no idea about. Teen mental health is so important, if you’re worried about your child or just want to ensure you’re on top of things then here are some suggestions. 

Open up lines of communication

One of the best things you can do to look after your child’s mental health is to reassure them that you’re there for them. If they’re feeling low, stressed, struggling with peer pressure or anything else- being able to open up to you is the best possible option. Without that parental support, guidance and advice, teens can be more likely to experiment with drugs or alcohol, they might end up as a teen parent or start struggling with their mental health. Research shows that the simple act of eating dinner as a family on most nights of the week can be really helpful. It can really help improve your child’s social skills. It’s also a time when all of the family is together, a chance to chat, catch up and keep bonds between you close.  

Encourage self esteem

The teenage years are always a little awkward. Surging hormones and changing bodies can leave even kids that were confident feeling a little unsure of themselves. They might be suffering with acne, greasy hair, they might need to have braces fitted at a private orthodontist, all things that can lower self esteem. Why not treat them to a new haircut at the salon, a pampering facial or some new clothes if they’re struggling with their image. They might want to experiment with makeup or a whole new style. Embrace it, let them figure out who they are and what makes them feel comfortable within themselves and watch your child’s confidence grow.

Give a gentle push to try new things

Trying new things stops you from getting into a rut. While most teens will want to spend their spare time sat in their room or moping around with friends, encouraging them to try new hobbies or take part in extra-curricular activities can be really useful. Hobbies build new skills, they can keep them fit and introduce them to new people. If they’ve outgrown hobbies they used to love as a child then try them with something else, it can be really useful in terms of self esteem. 

Disclaimer : This is a collaborative post.