Does your teen hide her feelings and shut you out?
While it's normal that kids don't want to share with their parents, there's a big downside. Hidden (negative) feelings grow and can lead to depression and isolation. They see their feelings as bad.
The first step to help your teen through this is to neutralize and normalize those big emotions.
* To be human is to have feelings.
* Feelings just are. They come and they go.
* It's normal/understandable for you to feel this way (i.e. given what you went through).
The sooner you start, the better your teen's mental health can be.
NOTE: You know your child best. If their mental health is declining, seek professional help. P.S. - There's more support at the "Raising Teenagers: Where Parents Learn How to Talk to Their Teens" membership.
Fern Weis is a certified life coach who learned that caring and good intentions are not enough in parenting. In fact, they are often the problem! Fern supports parents of teens and young adults who are going through difficult situations, including addiction recovery. She helps parents release guilt, end enabling and confidently prepare their children to thrive through life's challenges. Her articles are featured in Thrive Global, Medium, Motherly, The Teen Mentor, and Bergen County Moms.
Learn more about coaching and classes at www.fernweis.com. And then download your free guide, "Five Powerful Steps to Get Your Teen to Talk." For information on Family Recovery programs, visit www.familyrecoverypartners.com.