Dealing with Anxious Teens: A Guide for Parents Is your teenager always worried? Are they struggling to do “the basics” despite everything you do or say to help? Do you feel like your anxious child is slipping away and becoming someone you don’t recognize? In this article, we’ll discuss anxiety in teens and what parents…

At-Risk Youth It can be hard to imagine defining your child as being “at-risk.” As a parent or guardian, you have done your best. You have given your child love and support. You have tried to set a good example, and you want what is best for your child. It is often easy to ignore…

Teen Intervention: Five Warning Signs Your Teen Needs Help Parents often reassure themselves that their pre-adolescent or adolescent is doing fine as long as the child is not involved in dangerous behavior (alcohol use, drug use, sexual acting out) and is making good grades. In fact, the warning signs of impending trouble are actually closer…

Teens and Substance Abuse: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents During the teenage years, adolescents are biologically driven to explore their identities and to try new things. The brain is still developing the judgment and self-inhibition systems. This can result in adolescents easily going along with their peers, acting impulsively, and seeking out new and exciting…

19 Signs of a Troubled Teenager Teenage years and teenage problems can be rough for parents and teens alike. As teens make mistakes, learn, and develop the skills necessary to be an independent, autonomous adult, it can seem like they are on an emotional roller coaster. Some behaviors that teens display are normal, such as…

Navigating a 5150 Hold for Minors: A Guide for Parents When your child is struggling, your whole world can get turned upside down in an instant. This is especially true when your child is struggling with their mental health or has a mental illness. If your child’s needs become critical, the situation can seem out…

Boot Camp for Kids: There is a Better Way Every parent wants to see their child succeed. They want their child to be happy, healthy, and to become a thriving adult. When your child struggles to meet expectations or lacks the motivation to succeed, it can be heartbreaking. You believe in them and wish that…

Setting Healthy Boundaries With Your Teen Boundaries are healthy limits put in place to help your teen stay safe. They establish who your teen is, what they value, and how they want to be treated. This also rings true for parents – what do you value in your relationship with your teen, and how do…

Your identity is how you see yourself. That includes how you see yourself as an individual and within social groups, such as friends or family.  Identity continues to evolve throughout your life. Having a positive sense of your own identity helps you to develop healthy relationships and feel a sense of direction and purpose in…

When Your Teen Is Upset, Try This Therapeutic Technique: Validation Most parents of teens have had an experience like this: your teen is angry or upset, and you do not know what to do. Simply validating your teen may be the key. When you validate someone, you show that person that they are being seen…