Challenges of being a parent just ramped up.
It seems like overnight your child has morphed into someone you don’t know anymore.
In a millisecond, emotions swing from happy to sad, with no apparent explanation. They don’t want to talk about it; when you ask what’s wrong, matters get worse.
They would rather be alone in their room or with friends than family, especially adults. Self-centeredness becomes more apparent.
Appearance and fitting in with peers are essential to their self-esteem, and you hope that they are selecting the right group of peers. Otherwise, the challenges can increase for the worse.
What is a parent to do?
Look at it from the adolescent’s perspective.
This transition from child to adulthood is a challenge to your child and you. It is a period filled with disorientation and self-discovery.
In our current society, life as an adolescent is even more complicated. They want independence but need support. Performance in school brings pressure, especially since, in a few years, they will apply to college.
Their body is changing along with how they perceive fitting in with others. Social status and peer pressure are part of the experience.
And now, parents need to worry about cyberbullying; increased sexual promiscuity; and experimentation with drugs, alcohol, and smoking.
At the same time, your child is learning how to be independent, a necessary lesson on the way to adulthood.
As a parent, how do you connect with your adolescent?
Understanding and listening to your child opens the door to communication and helps build intimacy.
It is important to keep that connection and let your child know that you are here to help and not accuse.
You need to be aware of cues that signal potential physical and mental health problems that can lead to addiction or severe depression.
Just as important is the need to seek help from someone who can help both you and your child adjust to this new life transition.
Help is available for meeting those challenges.
Adolescents are a special group of people to me. It can be uncomfortable for people ages 14-18 to talk about their lives and feelings. I would like to change that for you.
With so much of your life changing all the time, not to mention your brain and body, it’s challenging to stay afloat.
While working with me, I will provide you a safe place to learn to navigate challenging issues successfully. We will work together in identifying what success means and create a plan to achieve it.
I desire to create a place where you feel comfortable exploring yourself and what you are experiencing in your life.
Parents, I also can help you positively connect and support your child during this time of transition.
Decrease the challenges and learn to enjoy the change.
It would be my pleasure to work with your adolescent. Support for you and your child is important during this transition.
Contact me today by calling (916) 880-6387! I am here to help.