Helping Your Teen Through the Teen Years

Helping Your Teen Through the Teen Years

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The teen years are the most recognizable of all adolescent phases. It's a time of moodiness, changing physical changes, and exploring new elements of identity, including gender expression and sexuality. These experiences can be a great source of excitement and joy for your teen, but they can also feel overwhelming or confusing. Providing emotional support and guidance, while respecting their need for independence is key to helping them through this important stage.

While the term teen is often used to describe those between 13 and 19, it's actually a shortened form of "adolescent." Not all cultures use numeric ages to define adolescence, however, so they may translate this word differently. For instance, Spanish uses adolescente rather than teenager.

During the teen years, your child will also likely experience major changes in their relationships with family members. Their parents will be expected to act as more of a mentor and guide, and many teens will begin to seek out other sources of friendship and socialization. Getting them involved in activities outside the home will help show them you're interested in their lives, and allow them to meet people who have different perspectives and interests.

This is also the time when a significant number of teens start to experience adolescent depression and other forms of mental health issues. You'll want to be aware of any unusual or concerning behavior and make sure your teen knows they can talk to you about anything, no matter what the issue is.

Your Teen will be developing their adult physical form around this time, and it's important to encourage them to maintain healthy eating habits and exercise. Some teens will experience rapid physical changes during this phase, while others may go through puberty more slowly or not at all. If you notice any signs of physical or emotional change, it's important to talk to your pediatrician right away.

Many teens will be entering into romantic relationships during this time, and the responsibilities and expectations that come with this can add to their stress. This is a key time to help your teen establish boundaries and set realistic expectations for themselves in their relationships. Whether they are seeking advice from you or their friends, your teen will still need emotional support and guidance from you as they continue to develop a strong sense of self-worth and personal responsibility.

If you're concerned about your teen's emotional or mental health, or if they're spending too much time isolated from family, it may be beneficial for them to connect with a mental health professional who specializes in adolescent development. The right therapist can provide the tools they need to navigate this challenging time and find balance and fulfillment in their lives.

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