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 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:
Neurologist Judy Willis explains how the brain develops during adolescence, and shares advice for parents on reckless behaviour and risk-taking.
This guide from the Anna Freud Centre focuses on talking to young people at secondary school about mental health.
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.
This short animation from the Anna Freud Centre describes what it’s like to suffer from depression as a teenager.
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 you as the parent or carer.