Here’s why worrying about your teenager doesn’t help – and what you can do instead.

As a parent, it's natural to worry about your teenager

As a parent, it's only natural to worry when your teenager starts developing independence and autonomy. But it's also important to remember that they are surrounded by wise people like teachers and mentors who can help them make smart decisions throughout their developing years. While cautious, try to trust and support your teen in their journey towards adulthood - this could be the most important gift you give them.

However, worrying doesn't actually help them or you

When it comes to worrying, it can be an unconscious reflex due to our concerns about the future. However, it is important to remember that worrying does not actually provide any tangible assistance or positive outcomes for you or those around you. In truth, focussing on trying to overcome your worries and replacing them with a more hopeful outlook can improve your life in ways you may never have imagined! Moving forward with a sense of hope and purpose will bring you closer to achieving your goals and living the life that you deserve.

Instead, try to focus on the positive aspects of their life

It is easy to focus on the challenging aspects of life, but resilience is all about finding the positive. Instead, why not try to focus on the positive aspects of their life and recognize the resilience that they have within them? This can be anything from actively engaging in conversation with other people, having a hobby which uplifts them, or taking steps towards achieving their goals. By having resilience and focusing on the positives, you will make progress in drawing yourself out of a challenging moment and nurture hope for a brighter future.

Talk to them openly and honestly about your concerns

Talking to teenagers openly and honestly about one's concerns is an important act of trust and respect. Avoiding the subject altogether only builds walls that can harm your connection with the teeanger. Instead, it is best to approach talks mindful of a teeanger's feelings yet direct in communicating your feelings—a balance may be tricky, but it will prove necessary to forging a strong relationship with them. Try to structure conversations around topics like common interests, goals for the future, or simple catch-ups on their lives. Openness and honesty are essential pillars of whatever conversation you have with a teeanger, so much so that they may even feel valued and empowered through being engaged in such meaningful dialogue.

Listen to what they have to say without judgement

Talking to teenagers can be a daunting task, but it is an important one. When communicating with them, it's key to listen to what they have to say without judgement. Doing so enables you to better understand their perspective and form a closer relationship with them. With each conversation, an invaluable way of connecting with teenagers emerges that fosters trust and helps both parties build bridges for various generations. So take a moment to pause and simply hear what they have to say – your efforts will not go unrewarded!

Work together to find solutions to any problems they're facing

When facing a problem, teenagers don't have to go it alone - working together is one of the best ways to find solutions. Being creative and relying on each other's strengths and abilities can help groups come up with innovative solutions. Teens are full of ideas, so why not get together and brainstorm ideas for working through any challenges? Not only does this collaboration lead to a better result, but it provides an opportunity to build relationships and strengthen bonds as people come together for a common cause. Working together can be a journey filled with learning, growth, accomplishment and camaraderie - all things teenager will enjoy being part of.

Parenting a teenager can be tough, but it's important to remember that worrying won't help them or you. Instead, try to focus on the positive aspects of their life and talk to them openly and honestly about your concerns. Listen to what they have to say without judgement and work together to find solutions to any problems they're facing. By working as a team, you'll be able to help your teenager navigate this difficult time in their lives.