Parents, Do You Know The Pressures Your Teens Are Facing?

Do you know the pressures your teen is facing?

It's important that you do, as you won't be able to spot the signs that they are struggling, otherwise.

You see, while you might get mad at your teen for not pulling their weight at home, and while you might get frustrated at your teen's moody behavior patterns, you need to remember that life isn't easy for them. 

Thanks to hormonal changes, the effects of puberty, and pressures both behind and beyond the school gates, your teen is going through issues that affect the way they behave and think on a daily basis. This should be of no surprise to you, as you were once a teen yourself. But it's important that you remind yourself of the fact, as you need to be able to help them.

Examples of pressures your teen could be going through include…

Problems with their body image - those growth spurts do little to help your teen's self-esteem, and if they aren't happy with their body, they could become depressed, anxious, and susceptible to a range of eating disorders. Would you know the signs? Check the link for more.

Being subject to bullying - kids can be cruel, as you will know yourself if you struggled with bullies at school. While physical violence and name-calling are common, many teens today are also faced with bullying over the internet. So, does your teen seem withdrawn? Do you know what is being said about them online? Talk to your teen and let them know you're there to help them.

Feelings of depression - symptomatic of bullying and self-esteem issues, but also as a result of hormonal changes and other teen problems, around 20% of teens suffer from depression, according to studies. These feelings of depression can cause your teen to act out at home and can lead them into harmful behaviors too. So, do you think your teen is showing signs of depression? They might need teen depression and anxiety treatment, so consider the option if you or they have real concerns.

Being subject to peer pressure - from addictive problems such as drinking to smoking, to having sex at too early an age, your teen might be tempted into a range of behaviors that aren't helpful to their future wellbeing. You might get angry at them for doing so, but when they are trying to fit in at school, or when they are forced into doing certain things by others, you need to know that your support is more important than your punishment. Open up healthy conversations with your teen, and find out what they might be going through.

And these are just a few of the issues your teen might be facing. There might be others, so out of concern for your child, spend quality time with them so you can learn more. And be aware that you might be causing pressures on your teen yourself, especially if you are pushing them towards certain academic careers, or if you are questioning their sexual identities. So, be mindful of your own attitudes and choices.

So, ask yourself. Do you know the pressures your teen is facing? It's your duty to learn more and to help them, so commit to further research, and you can start this by talking to your son or daughter. 

Thanks for reading.