The holidays are right around the corner.
Are your teens showing signs of stress?
This time of the year can be stressful for anyone. Exams and projects are coming due at school and holiday preparation is on everyone’s mind. Through all this, you can help your teen manage the stress.
According to a study by the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, three out of four teenagers who use drugs say they do because of the stress from school. Parents can play a major role in alleviating some of their teen’s stress just by simply being available for support.
It’s easy to help your teen feel less stressed when you keep an open line of communication with them. Ask them about their classes, assignments and how they’re feeling about school. Not only does talking to your teen give them a support system, it also reduces by up to 50 percent their chance of getting involved in unhealthy and dangerous activities, like drugs and alcohol.
Introduce positive ways to combat stress. Exercising and relaxing can do wonders when pressure builds. It’s also important to encourage a normal sleep schedule and promote healthy eating habits. Use teachable moments to broach the topic, and then ask your teen if they have anything going on that might be causing them anxiety. It’s more important to listen empathetically than to lecture them about how you think they should handle any difficulties.
Remember to make time for your teens, especially during the busy holiday season. Your influence plays a big part in how they handle situations.
