How to Support Your Teen’s Mental Health

When you think about your teenager’s emotional demeanor, what comes to mind?

Confidence, joy, and peace?

Or confusion, stress, and depression?

Maybe it’s a little of everything.

We hear from parents across the country, and most say the same thing: their children are experiencing obstacles unlike any past generation in history. Technology dominates nearly every aspect of their daily lives: entertainment, education, self-image, even their sleep habits and their social interactions. Technology is so pervasive and unsettling that many teens are battling fear, shame, and self-doubt.

The question for you as a parent is, “What is my role in facilitating positive mental health in my child? Step in? Step back?”

While a full answer is complex, it begins by remembering that you are your child’s first and best role model. Your ability to regulate your own emotions helps your children regulate theirs. Likewise, if you use unhealthy coping strategies to handle emotion, your children will likely do the same.

That’s something author Michelle Nietert can attest to firsthand. Growing up, her father struggled with anger so deeply that Michelle joined after-school activities to avoid him. To this day, the impact of her father’s temper still affects Michelle. She regularly has to remind herself to bepatient and slow to anger with her own children.

Much more could be said. That’s why I’ve asked Michelle to join me on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly to offer hope and practical tools for cultivating your teen’s mental health in a God-centered way. She explains:

• Why mentally healthy parents raise mentally healthy kids.

• How to navigate emotional health with your teens.

• Healthy ways for your children to use technology.

• The power of listening.

• How to launch adult children into the world.

• Understanding your child’s identity.

• How to help your teen develop positive spiritual habits.

You can hear my full conversation with Michelle Nietert on your local radio station, online, onApple Podcasts, or on our free phone app.

Michelle is the founder and clinical director of Community Counseling Associates in Dallas.

If your teenager is struggling, and you’d like to speak with a counselor, call Focus on the Family for a free consultation. Leave your name and number, and they’ll get back with you as soon as possible. The number during business hours is 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).

Michelle’s book Strong and Secure: 100 Devotionals for Young Women is available for a gift of any amount. For more information, click here.