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How many times have you heard this?
“She’s just so moody.”
“It’s just a phase they’re going through.”
When we were teens, our behaviors or mood swings were simply written off as “being a teenager”, “out of sorts”, or “growing pains.” It may not have been till years later that we were finally diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or, with help, finally understood that we were simply reacting to stress at school or at home.
“Kids and teens are not immune from mental challenges and disorders… Early recognition and professional help can lead to successful treatment and full recovery.”
Lessons Learned: 5 Things to Remember
- Prepare to Listen: Check out our Lessons Learned on how to prepare to talk to your teen, and how to listen.
- Pick the Right Time, not when they are dealing with schoolwork or when either or both of you are tense.
- Easy Conversation Starters: “I see you’ve been struggling lately“ or “I see this is hard for you.”
- Don’t ask, “What’s wrong?” It can make kids of all ages freeze up, so the likely response will be, “Nothing.” That builds a wall.
- Don’t be the Fixer: it’s common for parents to want to jump in and fix the problem – especially with teens. Don’t try to tell them how to fix what’s bothering them unless they specifically ask you for advice.
