Do you have teenage kids? If so, our thoughts are with you – and them. It’s a tough time for both of you. The kids are just starting to grow up into adulthood, but they still have a long way to go. And, of course, they are dealing with all those hormones racing around like nobody’s business. On the other hand, you, as the parents, are probably wondering what you did wrong. The mood swings, the temper tantrums, and, of course, the worry, are all things that you have to face.
It’s that last issue – worry – that inspired us to write this post. There are many things to worry about when you are a parent of a teen. Are they going to get good grades? Are their friends a harmful influence? And what will you do if things get serious? Well, we hope this guide can help. Here are three problems faced by many teenagers – and how you can tackle them before it gets serious.
Depression
It’s hard to tell whether you child is suffering from depression – and it’s hard for them to tell, too. A lot of the symptoms are common to all teenagers – but there are subtle differences. For example, there’s teenage angst, but there is also despair. Teenagers also have a habit of withdrawal – from the family, in general. But, if they start to withdraw from their friends, too, it might be a sign there is a more serious problem developing. It’s a hard nut to crack, but it can be done. Try and foster an environment where you can offer your teen the room to breathe, and to be open to you about their feelings. A therapist could help, but it’s important not to be pushy – they have to want to do it off their own back.
Drugs
From a parent’s perspective, drugs can be a scary subject – especially if those parents have never had any experience with them. This, in itself, is part of the problem. Teens like to experiment, and when they do and have a great time, they won’t see what the problem is. However, if they have other things missing in their lives, then drugs could fill those gaps. And, obviously, that could lead to addiction problems. This is when things get tough, and you might need the help of medical professionals sooner rather than later. There are plenty of addiction recovery services out there that can help. When it comes to drugs, it’s important to listen to your teen’s views – regardless of your opinions. Don’t forget that they are enjoying making their own decisions, and berating them for it will not prove successful in most cases.
Eating issues
Body image will play a role in almost every teenager’s life. However, in some teens, this will become a very serious issue and present itself with something that is not a healthy approach to food. Binge eating, bulimia and anorexia can be easy to see – but only when it has already taken hold. By that stage, it could be too late. Look out for the signs – if they are tired all the time, for example, it could be because they are suffering from lack of nutrition. Also, watch out for any evidence of throwing up in the bathroom after meals, or evidence of binge eating in their rooms. And, if you find any, it’s important to be as understanding as possible. Be supportive, and try and persuade them to see your family doctor. Or, again, a therapist might help. Rehab Recovery, based in London, offers a free helpline and intervention service for people suffering from eating disorders.
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