How To Boost Your Teens’ Mental Health

If you’re the parent or guardian of teenagers, you know what a struggle it can be to keep them on the right track. Their physical and mental health are highly important to you, but sometimes it may seem like you’re failing to keep up with their ever-changing situations. Mental health can be especially challenging these days, and teens are prone to lots of ups and downs. There are some steps you can take, though, to boost your teens’ mental health.

Provide a Listening Ear

The best thing you can do to boost your teens’ mental health is to provide them the support of a listening ear. Let your kids know that you are always available to listen to them. Then do so, patiently. Your teens may say things you don’t like, and you will have to correct them sometimes. But always let them know that they can tell you anything, and you’ll work with them to solve problems.

There may come a point, however, when your teens won’t want to talk to you. This is quite normal, so give them other alternatives. Suggest a trusted adult friend, relative or teacher. If problems are more serious, and you can’t get through to your teens, research teenage counseling options. You can choose a counselor who might have a better idea of how to keep your kids talking.

Set Rules

Teens need boundaries. While they are becoming more independent, they are still young and require your guidance. A fair set of rules can boost teens’ mental health by keeping them safe and giving them the direction they need to grow. Talk to your kids about the rules, and make sure they know what you expect. While your teens might protest, deep down, they’ll appreciate how much you care (even if they’d never admit it).

Work on Stress Management

With all the stress in your teens’ lives, a “toolbox” full of stress management techniques is more important than ever. Work with your teens on music therapy, guided breathing or meditation exercises. You’ll both learn how to control stress and improve your mental health.

Encourage Activities

Activities can also work toward better mental health for your teens. Get them involved in sports, music and/or art. Encourage them to read, do crafts or cook. Provide them with plenty of opportunities to try new things and learn new skills. You might even find yourself learning right alone with them. Be careful, though, that your teens don’t get overwhelmed. If they’re playing sports, for instance, let them do one sport per season, and then limit their other extracurricular activities. They might have to make some tough choices, but burnout isn’t good for anyone’s mental health or grade point average.

Monitor Friendships

The wrong friends can seriously and negatively affect your teens’ mental health, so keep a close on your kids’ social group. Talk to your kids’ friends, and get to know their parents, too. Always know where your teens are going, whom they’re going with and what they’re doing. You’re not being nosy; you’re being a good parent.

Don’t neglect to monitor your teens’ online activity either. Check their social media accounts frequently whether they protest or not. Have their passwords, and examine their phones, tablets and computers. Teens are at risk online from predators and bullying. Your job is to protect them so that their online activities don’t lead to declining mental health and even suicide.

Set an Example

Finally, set an examples for your teens by taking care of your own mental health. Practice good stress management, and talk about your issues and how you solve conflicts. If your kids see your good habits, they’ll be able to follow.

Coping with teen mental health difficulties is a challenge, but you can help your kids navigate this difficult period in their lives if you provide a listening ear, set rules, help them with stress management, give them enjoyable activities, monitor their friendships and set an example. Hopefully, with some time and effort, you’ll raise healthy, well-adjusted human beings.