Issue Date: October 12, 2008
Kids and mental health
Parents can help them cope.
The challenges teenagers face are anxiety-provoking. The emotional fallout can be problematic, especially if teens turn to smoking, drinking, drugs or sex. Here are some tips on raising emotionally healthy kids:
Communication. Find a time to talk when life topics are "fresh," such as on the ride home from school. And make dinner a time to discuss everyone's day.
Expectations. You can't just be your teen's buddy; you need to be his or her advocate. Set behavior rules (curfews, homework, etc.), and hold teens to them. If they break a rule, have a clear consequence (like loss of cellphone privileges or grounding).
Participation. Teens need to have positive outlets, such as sports, music or art. They help to build self-esteem -- by working hard to become proficient at something, teens develop a sense of accomplishment -- and also help them to be organized.
Motivation. Encourage your teens when they struggle at school or at home. This helps them develop self-confidence in their own ability to handle life's situations.
Associations. Listen to that little voice inside telling you one of your teen's friends is up to no good. Your child also may have an uncomfortable feeling about the friend and just not know how to handle the situation. Step in and take charge.
Tedd Mitchell, M.D., president and CEO of Dallas' Cooper Clinic (www.cooperaerobics.com), writes HealthSmart every week.
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