Parenting teenagers can be challenging. With all the responsibility and stress that comes with being an adult, it’s easy to forget how tricky being a teenager can be. A child’s behaviour changes as they grow and many parents find it hard to understand and support these changes, especially if they’re harmful or upsetting.
We’ve put together some useful info and a collection of tips for positive parenting your teenager. If the teenager you support has additional support needs further information and resources are also available on our ‘Does your child need extra support‘ page.
There are lots of things that can happen to young people which can affect emotional wellbeing and behaviour. Take a look at our Common Issues page, especially if you’re worried about something in particular.
If you want to talk to your child about their mental health but don’t know how to or if you have a child who’s struggling to open up visit our Starting Conversations page for help.
Taking care of yourself is also important. Explore our self-care resources HERE for information on a range of tools and resources to help you look after your wellbeing and mental health.
For more info on mindfulness and how this simple technique can improve wellbeing, visit our Mindfulness page.
As the links below explain, a lot is happening in the teenage brain. Some behavioural changes are perfectly normal so it can be difficult to know exactly when to become concerned or seek support.
If your child has gone through something significant (see our Common Issues page), it might be useful for them, and possibly you, to talk this through with someone. If this isn’t the case but your child’s behaviour or upset continues, it’s probably worth getting further support.
Check out Getting the Support you Need for details on local services.
Charlie Waller Trust provides free webinars for parents, carers and professionals supporting children and young people on a range of topics including:
Parenting videos and advice from child mental health experts with practical tips to support children’s wellbeing and behaviour around a range of topics including:
Visit the site for help on these topics and more.
Films and practical guides on a range of topics relating to supporting children and young people with their mental health and wellbeing brought to you by mental health professionals. Topics include:
Parentkind offers an evolving roster of free webinars to support everyone in a parenting role.
Tackling a wide range of topics, our webinars are designed to share insight on how you can support your child with a wide range of learning and life experiences, strengthen your understanding of education and school life, and foster solid parent-child relationships along the way.
During these interactive webinars, you’ll be able to engage with our experts, ask questions and connect with others on a similar journey — we believe in the power of community and the strength of sharing experiences and learning together.
Tonnau Talks is a series of free online sessions brought to you by Neath Port Talbot Council’s Tonnau Team, the Educational Psychology Service, to help you feel more confident supporting the children and young people in your life.
Videos created by professionals from the Educational Psychology Service cover topics including:
The Tonnau Team are continuing to expand the content available and also run groups, workshops, advice and drop-in sessions in the community as part of the Family Information Service (see information on our Parenting under 11s page). Visit the Family Information Service’s Facebook page for the latest details.
Neurologist Judy Willis explains how the brain develops during adolescence, and shares advice for parents on reckless behaviour and risk-taking.
Being a teenager is hard. Especially when hormones play their part in wreaking havoc on the teenage body and brain.
A guide for parents and carers from the Charlie Waller Trust. A free webinar on ‘Supporting young people experiencing thoughts of suicide’ is also available in the free webinars section of the site.
Self-harm is very common in young people but it can leave families confused, anxious and feeling like there’s nowhere to turn. A free downloadable guide has been created by Oxford University’s Department of Psychiatry to provide advice and information for parents in this situation.
tidyMinds also has a page for young people called ‘Feel like hurting yourself’ featuring information and guidance as well as services that can provide support.
The first link below contains a short animation entitled ‘Facing Shadows’ from the Anna Freud Centre that describes what it’s like to suffer from depression as a teenager.
The second link explains how school staff can support adolescents who may be suffering with depression but parents and carers will also find relevant information within the video.
Depression and teenagers
Supporting teenagers with depression
Reading Well helps you understand and manage your health and wellbeing through reading. Explore recommended books for 13-18 year olds around issues including anxiety, body image, bullying and exams.
Visit tidyMinds ‘Worried about an eating disorder?’ page for information, tips, and to find out where your child/young person can access help and support or support and workshops for parents or carers.
Most people would struggle to live without the internet and our mobile phones. They’re a source of fun and entertainment, and help us keep in touch with friends. But it’s not always easy to know what’s safe and what isn’t.
The Anna Freud Centre’s website you’ll find resources for families, parents and carers of children of all ages covering topics such as:
The Anna Freud Centre’s YouTube channel also features a range of videos relating to issues affecting young people such as exam stress, low mood, self-harm, substance use, bereavement, childhood trauma, sleep problems, parental separation, receiving mental health support and school transitions.
Anna Freud Centre’s resources
Anna Freud Centre’s YouTube channel