How Parents Can Help Navigate the Challenges of Troubled Teens

Being a parent is a wonderful but difficult adventure, and those difficulties can seem considerably more overwhelming when your teen struggles with troubling behavior. While parents know they must provide direction and support during the turbulent period of self-discovery and rebellion that teenagers frequently experience, knowing what to say and how to help is challenging.  Undoubtedly, raising a troublesome adolescent is a difficult endeavor, but you can give your child the direction and support they require if you have the necessary patience, empathy, and techniques. Remind yourself that you and your adolescent have support systems and professionals at your disposal to assist you in getting through these difficulties. One such source of support is found at Liahona Academy. We’re here to guide both you and your teen, letting you know you’re not alone on this path. Continue reading to learn more about common issues teens deal with today, tips for helping them through the struggles, and why a support system is key.

What Issues Do Today’s Teens Commonly Struggle With?

Dealing with troublesome teenagers can make navigating the turbulent waters of parenting especially difficult. Today's adolescents deal with a distinct set of problems, and parents must identify and successfully handle these issues to help them succeed. Some common issues they typically deal with are outlined below.

Problems With Mental Health

Mental health difficulties are among the most important problems that today's youth must deal with. Rapid emotional and psychological growth occurs during adolescence, which can result in illnesses like anxiety and depression as well as more serious problems like self-harm or suicide ideas. It's important for parents to create a space where kids feel comfortable talking about their concerns because the stigma associated with mental health frequently keeps them from getting treatment.

Social Acceptance and Peer Pressure

Wanting to fit in and gain acceptance from their peers is a common issue among teenagers. Peer pressure frequently pushes them to partake in dangerous activities like drug and alcohol use, which can have detrimental effects. You should be open with them about the importance of making wise decisions and offer guidance on how to handle peer pressure.

School Stressors

Teenagers nowadays sometimes face excessive academic pressure. Teenagers who are getting ready for college or their future employment may feel stressed and anxious about their academic achievement. Struggles with grades and academic expectations can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and distress. As a parent, it's necessary to support a well-rounded educational philosophy and stress the importance of effort over perfection.

Tips For Parents to Help Struggling Teens

A strong parent-teen relationship is built on effective communication. Ensure that your adolescent knows they can talk to you without worrying about being judged. Provide them with a secure area to share their ideas and feelings while actively listening to them and asking probing questions. Instead of responding rashly or passing judgment, provide advice and understanding. It's also critical to establish boundaries and be understanding at the same time. Teens who are troubled frequently push boundaries, so having clear guidelines in place can give them structure and stability. Include your teen in the process of setting limits and be consistent with your expectations and punishments. There are situations when your adolescent's problems call for more than just parental support. Never be afraid to ask for professional assistance from our team. We offer the knowledge and experience gained from helping countless parents and teens over the years navigate issues with behavioral disorders, substance misuse, depression, and more. At the same time, it’s also important to assist your teen in becoming more self-reliant and accountable. Give them the chance to decide for themselves and grow from their errors. Giving kids the freedom to make decisions for themselves might increase their sense of agency and self-worth. Remember, your values and beliefs as a parent have a big impact on how your teen behaves and acts. Show them the traits and conduct you desire to see in them. This may be a very effective strategy to sway their decisions and behavior.

The Value of a Strong Support Network

A strong support system is very helpful if your teen is acting out. The teenage years can be very rough for both teens and you, as teens deal with becoming independent, figuring out who they are, and social expectations. Having a strong network of friends, family, or trained counselors you can lean on during these tough times can help parents handle things better. In addition, a support system allows you to talk about your worries, frustrations, and successes in a safe place. You can also get help and new ideas from people who have been through the same thing. Gaining reassurance that you’re not the only one having problems can give you a big emotional boost, which is very important for maintaining your own mental and emotional health during this difficult time. A strong support system is also important for the teens themselves, as it gives them hope and security, especially as they see their parents working to connect with them. In the end, a strong support network gives parents the strength to keep trying to help their kids through this tough time and reinforces the belief that things can get better, which is good for both parents and teens.

Reach Out to Our Team Today

Ultimately, adolescence can be a turbulent time, but parents can help their teens get through this difficult stage if they have the correct support network in place. Parents can be crucial in assisting their kids in overcoming obstacles and growing into self-assured, resilient adults by being aware of the problems that they frequently encounter and by offering a solid support system. Contact our team today.