Open communication is the key to healthy relationships with teens
As many families are spending more time at home, this can be a good time to re-connect and establish a healthy and close relationship. According to The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), communicating your love for your child is the single most important thing you can do to help them during their teenage years. Parents should also strive to:
- Provide a safe and loving home environment.
- Create an atmosphere of honesty, trust and respect.
- Allow age-appropriate independence and assertiveness.
- Develop a relationship that encourages your teen to talk to you when he or she is upset.
- Teach the importance of accepting limits.
Also, teens need rules regarding issues that affect their well-being. Listen to your child and if you can compromise, do so if it is within reason.
Pro Tip:
If you are not home with your child, keeping track of their mental health is even more important. It may be helpful for them to save emergency numbers to their cell phones. Getting immediate help can make a difference. Make sure they know:
- The phone number for a trusted friend or relative
- The non-emergency number for the local police department
- The Crisis Text Line: 741741
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Source: National Institutes of Mental Health
If your child or teen is struggling, take the first step and call Wyoming Behavioral Institute for a no-cost assessment at 800-457-9312 or visit wbihelp.com for more information. We are here to help.
PAID FOR BY WYOMING BEHAVIORAL INSTITUTE
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