Although there are many books that offer tips, there isn’t a universal reference guide that can prepare a parent for what will happen during their child’s teenage years. There are so many changes that your teen is facing that could influence them in a positive or negative way.
As your teenager begins to assert their independence, some behavioral changes may become bizarre and unpredictable. Your once sweet, obedient child, who always wanted to be with you, now wants to have as little association with you as possible. The child that hung on to your every word now rolls their eyes when you give your opinion or advice. These are the actions of a normal teenager, but how can you know if their behavior is a sign of greater issues?
Some teenagers exhibit a break in communication, fighting, defiance, violent mood swings and explosive anger. These teens face behavioral, emotional, and learning problems that are beyond the normal teenage issues and pose a greater challenge for their parents.
Some warning signs that your teen may be troubled are:
- Changes in appearance, if it is accompanied by problems at school other negative changes in behavior, such as self-harm or extreme weight loss or weight gain.
- Repeated escalation of arguments, violence at home, skipping school, getting into fights, and run-ins with the law.
- Rapid changes in personality, falling grades, persistent sadness, anxiety or sleep problems, depression, bullying or talk of suicide.
- Alcohol consumption or drug use becomes habitual.
- A sudden change in peer group, especially if the new friends encourage negative behavior.
The challenge for parents is to help their teen cope with emotions and deal with anger in a more constructive way. First, parents need to establish clear rules and consequences; teens need rules now more than ever. Secondly, suggest exercise and team sports to your teen, they have proven effective in the relief of tension and anger, give your teen and yourself, space to cool off. Lastly, you can’t help your teen if you lose your temper as well.
Parenting a troubled teen can seem like an impossible task, but identifying red flag behaviors in your teen, seeking help from a doctor, counselor, therapist or other mental health professional is a step in the right direction.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the Department of Psychiatry at Flushing Hospital Medical Center 718-670-4416.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.