Nanny to Mommy

Being a parent is a very rewarding experience but can also be quite challenging at times. If you have a troubled teen you’re dealing with, you should know that you’re not alone.

What you don’t want to do is become frustrated with the situation and in turn, give up trying to assist them. Even if they don’t act like it, they do need you and your guidance at a time like this so try to stay strong. You can use the following guide as a roadmap for knowing how to best handle your circumstances and as a way for you to get your family back on track.

Try to connect and communicate with your teen best you can so you can understand where they’re coming from and what may be bothering them. Hold family meetings or speak with them individually in your free time as ways to get to know them on a deeper level. Put yourself in your teen’s shoes so you can gain a different perspective and truly relate to them and what they’re going through as a teenager. It may be in your best interest to talk less and listen more as well as you work on getting them to open up to you.

One action you can and should take if you’re a parent of a troubled teen is to observe their behavior closely. For example, maybe they’re starting to lash out more, not sleep well and isolate and not spend any time with friends or family. This will help you to see if what’s going on is a serious condition such as depression and if an intervention is necessary. Be aware that there’s help for this mental illness and rehab for teenage depression is an option for your teen. Encourage your teenager to seek help if they’re hurting and not able to overcome their feelings of hopelessness on their own or with your help.

It may sound selfish at first, but in fact, it’s very necessary that you take care of yourself first and foremost. Dealing with a troubled teen can bring your mood down and cause you to start to feel sad and upset. It’s important that you look after your child and try to help them, but that you also attend to your own needs in the process. The better you feel, the easier it’s going to be to help your troubled teen so you can both find more peace and happiness in your days. Practice self-care activities regularly and set aside a designated amount of time each day that you’re going to look after yourself and do activities you enjoy.

You should now have a better idea of how to deal with a troubled teen and also have more confidence in yourself in doing so. Always remember to do your best and not beat yourself up or blame yourself for the situation you’re facing. Try to have faith and hope that if you and your teen work together you two can create a brighter future for you both.