As a parent you are either contemplating this well documented rocky development stage or are already in the thick of it!
We are all conditioned to expect the worst – the arguing, selfishness, annoying habits, unsuitable friends, rebellion and swinging moods. The real difficulty is knowing whether this emotional rollercoaster is normal or whether there are underlying fears and concerns that your son or daughter is finding hard to express.
This is compounded by their need for separateness and distance which makes it very difficult for parents to offer the advice and support they may well need.
Common issues that you may be concerned about:
- Withdrawal from friends, family, usual activities or hobbies
- Sleep problems (insomnia, sleeplessness or nightmares)
- Hyperactivity or irritability
- Decline in school performance regardless of how hard they are working
- Frequent bouts of anger or aggression or ‘acting out’
- Frequent and excessive anxiety or worry
- Feeling down – possible depression or bipolar tendencies
- Defiant or destructive behaviour
- Lack of energy and ‘I’m not good at anything’ type of discussions
- Appetite – weight gain or loss
‘Acting out’ could be if your son or daughter is being bullied at school and then recreates this scenario at home.
I can help by:
- Providing a neutral and objective setting to enable the young person space to explore their thoughts and feelings
- Helping to build confidence and emotional security skills
- Creating strategies to help them communicate and express themselves in a more resourceful way
- Building resilience and social intelligence awareness
I also provide educational and counselling sessions for parents to help you manage your own emotions and also to provide you with tools and techniques to help your teenager.
