How To Care For Your Teen’s Mental Health Without Seeming Overbearing

Teenagers aren’t always known for being open books, especially to their parents. They are also often stereotyped as moody or having an “attitude.” But there’s a difference between stereotypical moodiness and something actually bothering your teenager.

As a parent or caregiver, it’s essential to look after your teen’s mental health. Prioritizing it and checking in is just as important as taking them to a yearly exam for their physical well-being. 

But you probably already know that caring for your teen’s mental health can be easier said than done. Asking too many questions or hovering too often can make you seem overbearing and might even cause your teen to be more closed off.

So, how can you strike a healthy balance? How can you care for your teen’s mental health without suffocating them? 

Look For Ways To Check In

It’s important to encourage your teen to talk about their feelings as often as possible. But, if you’re constantly asking them directly how they feel or if anything is wrong, they will probably not be as open.

Look for casual, natural ways to check in on their well-being. Ask them to help you with dinner and strike up a conversation about how their day was or how they’ve been doing. When they feel comfortable instead of pressured, they’re less likely to clam up about their true feelings. 

It’s also important to make sure they know you’re always there for them. Doing so opens up a door for future conversations without forcing them into one. Your goal should be for your teen to see you as a safe person to talk to, no matter the topic. 

Help With Goals

You might look back on your teenage years and think it was the easiest time of your life. But you probably didn’t feel that way when you were living it. 

Today’s teens have a lot on their plate. They have to think about grades, friendships, relationships, changing hormones, and what they will do in the future. All of it can feel overwhelming and create extra stress.

You can help them manage that stress without overstepping by encouraging them to set small, achievable goals. Teenagers don’t always have the same ability to problem-solve or look ahead as adults do. By helping them set smaller goals instead of looking at the big picture, you’ll get them to realize just what they can accomplish. As they hit each milestone, it will boost their self-confidence and their motivation, and help them break things apart into smaller pieces so they don’t become overwhelmed by stress. 

Set An Example

Even if it doesn’t always seem like it, your teenager is watching you. Just because they aren’t a kid anymore doesn’t mean they aren’t looking to you for what to do in just about every area of life. 

You can look out for your teen’s mental well-being by setting a positive example. That doesn’t mean you have to act like you have everything together all the time. If you tend to struggle with issues like anxiety or depression, don’t be afraid to talk about it at home.

But don’t hesitate to take charge and get the help you need to combat mental health issues. That might include medication, therapy, or other forms of self-care to help with symptom management. 

When you create an environment at home that promotes mental health, your teen will be more likely to open up on their own without you having to ask too many questions. More importantly, they’ll learn that mental wellness should always be a priority. That mindset will carry with them into adulthood, so they’ll be more likely to seek out help if they need it.

Seek Professional Guidance

If you’ve tried the strategies discussed above and would like to discuss challenging situations with a professional, reach out today to schedule a consultation for parenting counseling or parent coaching.