raising a teen is hard, being one is harder

Are you considering counseling for your struggling teen?

When they are small our children look up to us and expect us to know everything. They love us, they trust us, they want to spend all their time with us, and they want to be JUST LIKE US when they grow up.

Then they become teenagers, and that all changes.

Now that sweet child you knew is trapped in the body of an irritable mini adult. They; no longer think your jokes are funny, that you are ‘cool’ to hang out with, or want you to be anywhere near them or their friends.

You can see that they are struggling: your daughter can burst into tears at the drop of a hat and your son has stormed out of the room more times then you can count. You try to approach them and talk about what they are experiencing but they roll their eyes and shut you down.

You want nothing more than to connect with them, guide them, or if nothing else, protect them from making the bad decisions you can see coming. You see them under so much pressure; from themselves, their classes, their friends and social media and just want to help them lighten their load. 

But all they want to do is spend time in their room, on the phone, online, or with their friends. As frustrating as it is, your teen may be more likely to talk to a stranger than you. Its not because they don’t love you but often that you are too close to the situation and they worry about what you would think of them if you know what they are really struggling with. 

Our therapists can be a bridge between you and your teen. Helping them navigate towards adulthood and find balance in the changes and pressures they are going through. Call us at 724-654-9555 to discuss your teen’s situation and see if one of our therapists may be the right fit for you. 

What is ‘normal’ teen development:

• wanting to spend more time with friends and less with family
• increased sleep and appetite
• being upset over conflict with friends, breakups or what others think of them
• back talk and statements of parents ‘not understanding’ them
• getting angry when being told ‘no’, especially if it is blocking them from peer activities
• push back and ‘attitude’ over rules, limits and boundaries
• focusing more on wanting to ‘fit in’ with peers & their physical appearance
• mood swings
• more impulsive decisions without clearly thinking out consequences first
• some lighter level risk taking- experimenting with alcohol, sex or smoking