Build them up
Do you remember when you were in high school? Sure, kids don’t have as many responsibilities, but it’s still a tough time for many kids. Remind yourself to be compassionate. You may not know everything your child is dealing with when she leaves your home. So, instead of constantly getting on your kids about things, spend some time building them up for the things they’re doing right.
Lead by example
When it comes to substance abuse, we know that children often learn by example. If you have an unhealthy relationship with drugs or alcohol, your teen is more likely to follow that path. Some of it has to do with genetics, and some has to do with learning by example.
Find healthy ways to deal with your own stress, so your kids can see how it’s supposed to be done.
Change their setting
It’s all-too-easy to get into a rut. It’s also easy to develop bad patterns if you’re around bad influences. When you have family time, plan activities that get your teens out of their comfort zones. These experiences teach them that there’s more to life than what they see in the invisible bubble that surrounds their high school.
And if your teen is having serious issues with behavior, substance abuse or bullying at school, it may be time to consider changing schools. A new environment can work wonders for a child’s attitude. Consider boarding schools, alternative school programs or outdoor therapy for your troubled teen.
If you have identified that your teen has a substance abuse problem, talk to a counselor right away. The sooner your teen enrolls in treatment, the easier it will be to recover.
What are your best tips for helping teens deal with stress?
