How to Help Your Teen Manage Stress
With all their responsibilities inside and outside the home and the expectations of the people around them, teens today are finding it difficult to keep their stress under control. If you’re looking for effective ways to help your stressed-out teenager, this guide is for you.
Help Your Teen Identify Their Stressors
Teenagers face a variety of stressors. To help them manage their stress efficiently, you must first identify what triggers it. Never assume your adolescent child is aware of what stresses them out, regardless of if it’s already evident to you and others. Sit down with your teens and allow them to communicate their feelings and thoughts. Ask them open-ended questions to help you gain more insights into what might be causing their behavior.
Brainstorm Sustainable Stress-Management Solutions
While there are multiple ways to release or reduce stress, not all stress-relieving techniques apply to your teenage child. Talk to your teen and identify activities that can help reduce their stress. For instance, if your teenager loves music, sign them up for voice or piano lessons. Look for a trusted school like South Shore Piano School and take advantage of their free trial lessons. Music can be therapeutic for teenagers and can help regulate their emotions.
Establish Screen Time Limits
The online world can be toxic, especially for anxious teenagers with low self-esteem. While you can’t forbid your teen from not using their devices, it would help if you discuss with them the dangers of excessive social media use. Set limits for screen time at home and what digital detox can do for their emotional and mental health.
Encourage Honest Communication
While effective communication is essential to helping your stressed-out teen, it is often challenging, especially if your teenage child tends to shut down when talking to adults. If they’re hesitant to share their feelings, do not force them, but remind your teen that you’re always there to listen. If they decide to communicate with you, listen with a non-judgmental ear and avoid advising unless they ask you.
Model Stress-Management Habits
As parents and adults with years of experience managing stress, you must model effective habits and behavior to your teen. When you’re stressed, show your adolescent child how you deal with it and what effective techniques work for you.
In addition to demonstrating how you efficiently manage your stress, you should also model healthy self-care habits such as eating healthily, sleeping well, exercising regularly, and practicing mindfulness.
Be Mindful of What They Consume
Like adults, some teenagers also tend to eat when stressed. Unfortunately, they eat unhealthy comfort foods that can amplify their stress levels. It is essential you fill your pantry with healthy snacks such as fresh fruits, hummus and pita, protein bars, fresh vegetables and dip, whole grain bread and peanut butter, and fresh vegetables.
Endnote
Stress management can be challenging for some teenagers. While these tips can help you help your stressed-out child, do not hesitate to seek professional help, especially if you see signs of mental distress.
