The teenage years are also called adolescence. This is the time your child has growth spurts and puberty changes. With all the new changes and hormones it can be a very difficult time for some teenagers, especially with all the modern day issues, such as social media.
If your child is struggling, then speaking with a qualified mental health professional regarding your child's behavioural or emotional problems can be extremely helpful for the whole family.
How do I talk to my teenager?
Adolescence is a period of self-discovery, so it’s normal for teenagers to experiment with activities, friendships, sexuality and even substances. In search of their identity and independence, teenagers often push their limits, confronting parents, teachers, and other authority figures.
Talking with teenagers can be difficult, but most adolescences are curious, so if done in the right way they will be open to learn. Here are some tips for communicating with teenagers.
Be a good listener - Listening is as important as talking in the communication process.
Eye-contact - Make eye-contact to show your interest and attention.
Be assertive - Be open, honest, and confident.
Get them involved - Consider their opinion.
Avoid mixed messages - Be clear of the message you want to teach them.
How do I get my child into therapy?
Start by opening up a conversation about how they are doing
Be positive with your child about the option of trying counselling or therapy
Help to normalise the idea of going to counselling for support and remove any stigma around it
Give your child time and space to get used to the idea if they are unsure about it
Provide them reassurance that if the therapist doesn’t feel right for them, they can try someone else
Give your child the option of speaking to someone online instead of in-person, as they may feel more comfortable with this. You may even start with text messaging sessions
Child online assessment
We know how difficult finding the right therapist for your child can be, which is why we created the child assessment tool which will ask you a series of questions about your child and then match you with a qualified therapist who best suits your child's needs.
