How Parents Can Support Troubled Teens

Teens face complex emotions that aren’t always easy to express. As a parent, you have the opportunity to be their anchor, offering understanding and guidance when they need it most.

Here are six steps to take to support your troubled teenager.

Six steps to help navigate your teens’ emotional challenges:

1. Have Honest Conversations to Build Trust and Validate Their Feelings Without Judgement  

Teens need to know they can talk to you without fear of being dismissed or criticized. 

Start by creating a safe space for open and honest conversations

Listen actively. Nod, make eye contact, and let them finish before responding. 

Avoid jumping in with solutions or judgments right away. Instead, validate their feelings by saying things like “That sounds really hard” or “I understand why you’d feel that way.” 

When they see you’re listening without judgment, trust will grow naturally.

2. Put Aside Your Stress to Be Fully Present for Them 

Balancing work and parenting is never easy, especially when your teen needs extra support. 

Whether you work as a medical courier (in which case, you need to know how to secure steady medical courier contracts) or as an engineer, it can be hard to leave the pressures of work behind. 

But to truly help your teen emotionally, it’s important to put aside the stress from your day job and focus on being present for them when they need you most.

3. Collaborate on Realistic Expectations Together  

Teens often feel overwhelmed by school, social pressures, and future goals. Sit down with them to set realistic expectations that balance their responsibilities with their mental well-being.  For example, discuss homework limits or reasonable extracurricular commitments. 

Let this be a two-way conversation where they share input rather than feeling pressured by rigid rules.  By working together to establish achievable goals, you empower them to take ownership – while also showing support for their boundaries and needs in stressful times.

4. Guide Them Toward Healthy Emotional Outlets  

Teenagers often struggle to express their emotions – leading to frustration or withdrawal. 

Encourage activities that help them release and process their feelings in a healthy way. This could be journaling, sports, art, music, or just spending time in nature

Pay attention to what interests them instead of pushing your preferences. Offer gentle suggestions and support their choices without judgment. 

5. Learn to Recognize Early Signs of Crisis  

Sometimes, emotional struggles can escalate into something more serious. Pay attention to changes in your teen’s behavior, like withdrawing from loved ones, sleeping too much or too little, or losing interest in things they used to enjoy. 

Notice if their mood seems unusually low for an extended time.  Approach them gently with concern rather than alarm and ask how they’re feeling.  If necessary, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from a mental health professional.

6. Normalize Seeking Professional Help  

Reaching out for professional support can feel intimidating to teens, especially if there’s a stigma attached. Let them know that therapy or counseling isn’t a sign of failure but a helpful tool to navigate challenges. 

Reassure them it’s okay not to have all the answers and emphasize that asking for help shows strength, not weakness.

Also read:

9 Signs of Teen Depression

Goals of Therapeutic Boarding Schools

Image credit: Freepik

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