It's crucial to show your kid that you love and support them, that you can assist them through difficult times, and that you are always there for them, whether you and your teen get along well or not.
Here are a few things you can do to support your teen’s mental health.
1. Encourage them to share their feelings
Look for methods to communicate with your adolescent. Inquire about their day and what they have been up to. It might be as simple as inviting them to help you with a chore, such as cooking supper, so you can ask about their day.
Remind them that you are always available for them and that you are interested in hearing how they are feeling and thinking. A few encouraging comments might make them feel more comfortable discussing their thoughts with you.
Even though it is difficult, it is critical to acknowledge and comprehend the feelings people are experiencing. You can answer with "I understand" or "that seems like a terrible situation" when they open up to you. It's easy to notice the things your adolescent does that you don't approve of. However, try to recognize and compliment them on anything they're doing well, even if it's as basic as picking up after themselves.
2. Take time to support them
Work together to establish new habits and daily goals that are attainable. You might schedule household duties around schoolwork or establish a goal, such as doing homework before supper.
Adolescence is synonymous with freedom! Give your adolescent enough time and space to be on their own. It's a natural aspect of growing up to require more room.
Find a few strategies to encourage and assist your adolescent to take time out from homework, chores, or other activities to do something they like. If your teen is frustrated, work with them to come up with some problem-solving ideas. Make an effort not to take command and tell them what to do.
3. Work through conflict together
Listen to your teen's opinions and attempt to resolve conflicts in a peaceful way. Keep in mind that everyone experiences stress.
When you're furious, you shouldn't talk about it. Take a step back, take a deep breath, and relax; you can discuss it with your adolescent later.
Power struggles should be avoided at all costs. Teens may be fighting to maintain control in the face of an uncertain environment and restricted alternatives. Empathize with their urge to exert control in a stressful situation, as tough as it may be in the moment, rather than fighting back or overpowering it.
Be open and honest with your teen; you may tell them if you're stressed out as well. Demonstrating how you deal with your own challenging emotions might be beneficial to them.
Take some time to consider how you and your adolescent can handle a problem when it arises. You may share these reflections with your teen so they can see how you think about things.
4. Care for yourself
Caregivers face numerous challenges. You require self-care and assistance as well. Self-care is also a fantastic method to teach your teen about its importance.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't be afraid to ask for help. It's perfectly natural and acceptable to feel this way. Find someone you can talk to, whether it's a family member or a friend.
Set aside time for your own personal interactions. Find a few people with whom you can discuss your thoughts and experiences. Set aside sometime each day to check in with them and see how you're doing.
Schedule time in your day to do things that will help you cope with and manage stress. Whether your day is hectic or leisurely, we realize that taking care of yourself is critical to your overall health. Relaxation may be achieved by doing activities you enjoy or just taking a few minutes out of your day.
