Tag Archives: supporting your teen

Families are facing unprecedented challenges due to circumstances surrounding COVID-19. In response, we invite you to join our free online support community for parents and caregivers who may have children experimenting with, or dependent on, substances. Helpline specialists and specially trained parent coaches will host a series of live online gatherings to share insight and ideas on managing teen and adult children during this unique time. These gatherings are an opportunity to find support and connection along with tangible guidance on addressing substance use in the home, accessing treatment and ensuring continuous care during this crisis.

Click to register or find out more information: https://parentcoachescorner.us11.list-manage.com

Join us for a presentation on how to talk to your kids about nicotine addiction and vaping. One thing we know is that most youth in Hawaii have been exposed to vaping. A great deal of young people that start vaping say they began because they were exposed to it by a peer. So before someone else speaks to your teens, take this time while they’re at home to talk to them first.

 

To register for this webinar click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register

Parents face more challenges than ever in having effective prevention conversations with their teens around marijuana use. Despite the fact that this drug is more potent than ever, perception of harm is at an all-time low due to legalization, medicinal use and methods of ingesting like vaping and edibles which seem so much easier and more palatable. We can’t give up! In this webinar, we will explore the important role parents play, discuss the landscape of cannabis products our kids may be exposed to and learn how we can reduce the chances of our teens using.

Register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register

Adolescence is a time when teen relationships develop quickly and unfortunately may end just as abruptly as they started. Your teen who was once walking on air and constantly talking or texting their “bae” on the cell phone is now sulking in their room. What is a parent to do when they see their precious child suffer from adult-like emotions and heartache?

Teenage break ups are extremely stressful and emotional not only for the teen but also for you as a parent. The feelings that your teen is experiencing are real and intense and may at times feel overwhelming. The best thing that a parent could do is quietly listen to your teen share their feelings and thoughts. This is a time for your teen to talk about what’s going on and not a time for you to share your break up stories or give advice. Teens generally don’t want to hear it, but they do want the comfort of a parents’ unconditional love.

It’s important that parents model how to deal with negative emotions appropriately and allow their teen the time to process their feelings without having to move on before they are ready. Be cautious before you talk badly about the “other” person. Inappropriate comments can hurt other people, reflect badly on the one who says these things, plus you never know if your child may get back together with their girlfriend/boyfriend and you end of looking like the bad guy. Instead, focus on listening and being present.

It’s ok for your child to have some down time in their room alone. They need time to process these negative feelings and grieve that the relationship is over. If the child becomes isolated and depressed for an extended period of time please seek professional help as need. It is helpful to encourage your child to talk with their close friends for support and participate in activities that they love to do. Encourage your child not to discuss their relationship on social media and even take a “time out” from digital technology. Even if they are not sharing “their side of the story” others may be say hurtful comments which only makes the breakup even more painful.

Even though break ups are painful they are one way that life teaches humans how to persevere through difficult emotions and situations. Teens learn that life can be unfair and disappointing, but given some time to reflect and heal your teen will learn some valuable lessons about themselves and the art of forgiving others.