Stress is an inevitable part of being a teenager, but it’s also something that both teens and parents can work together to manage. While teenagers are learning to navigate their emotions, schoolwork, social relationships, and future plans, parents play a critical role in providing the support and tools needed to handle stress and build resilience.
For teens: Don’t be afraid to share your feelings. Talking things through with someone you trust can help relieve some of the pressure.
For parents: Create an environment where your teen feels comfortable expressing themselves. Sometimes they just need to know you’re there to listen without jumping in to fix things right away.
For teens: Find activities that help you de-stress, whether it’s listening to music, exercising, or drawing. Building healthy routines now will serve you well in the future.
For parents: Model stress-management habits for your teen. Whether it’s deep breathing exercises, yoga, or spending time in nature, let them see that it’s okay to prioritize mental health.
For teens: It’s easy to get caught up in a packed schedule, but remember to give yourself time to rest and recharge. You don’t have to do everything all the time.
For parents: Help your teen balance their commitments. Encourage them to prioritize their well-being and not overcommit to activities that may cause unnecessary stress.
For teens: When facing a tough situation, try thinking through possible solutions on your own first. You might be surprised at how capable you are.
For parents: Encourage your teen to come up with their own solutions. Instead of offering advice right away, ask guiding questions that lead them to think critically.
For both: Sometimes stress becomes more than either of you can manage on your own. If stress is leading to constant anxiety, irritability, or withdrawing from others, it might be time to reach out to a counselor or therapist for additional support.
Building resilience is a team effort between teens and parents. By working together, you can create a strong foundation that helps your teen handle stress now and in the future.
Our office is conveniently located just east of I-75 on SR 70 in Bradenton and proudly serves the Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, and Parrish communities.
