10 Tips for Teens- Part 1

The following are the first 2 of 10 tips for teens. Look for 3 and 4 on Monday and let me know what you think!

1) Talk to your parents

What? You mean actually sit down and have a conversation with them? What would we talk about? Try to talk about everyday topics or observations you have (look how cute the dog is today!) The more you talk to your parents the easier it becomes. If you want/need to talk about a difficult topic, think through what you want to say and what you want to actually communicate to your parents with the conversation (do you want their support/advice or do you want/need their permission for something?) This will change the way you present the information or ask the questions you want to ask to get the results you desire. Make sure you pick the right time for these discussions and talk about how you actually feel. 

Not that they don’t want that for you.. just realize it might be hard for them to be okay with letting you make your own decisions (and your own mistakes!) They have to still adjust, just as you do, to the idea that you are becoming your own person and separating from them. This is the normal progression from childhood to adulthood that often leads to conflict for teens and their parents.

Important Notice: The information presented above is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for consulting a psychologist or other mental health professional to discuss your unique situation.  If you would like to talk with me about it, you may call my office at 914-329-5355.