TEENS VS PARENTS... HOW TO AVOID WAR

Adolescent mental health experts share with LISA SALMON the key ways to build a good relationship with your teenage child

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BEING a modern teenager can be tough, with today’s young people facing a whole host of new and increasing pressures.

And dealing with academic demands, social media pressures and body image issues on top of the raging emotions of puberty can be even harder for teens who are in constant conflict with their parents.

“Growing up in today’s world can be incredibly tough for young people,” says Stevie Goulding, interim head of services at YoungMinds.

“Many teenagers face a constant mix of pressures, from school and academic expectations to the impact of social media, worries about the future, and wider challenges like financial stress at home. It’s no wonder so many young people feel overwhelmed at times.”

She says it's important for parents to recognise that what may look like moodiness or withdrawal can often be signs of deeper emotional strain, and stresses.

“Approaching your child with patience, calm and understanding can help strengthen your relationship and create a safe space for them to open up,” she says.

She also suggests finding quiet moments to connect through everyday activities you both enjoy, and listening without judgment.

Adolescent mental health expert Dr Margot Sunderland, author and director of Trauma Informed Schools UK, which helps schools respond to young people's mental health problems, suggests that if parents try to understand what their teen is going through, and adopt a stress-reducing approach instead of a stress-inducing one, the parent-child relationship could be improved substantially.