Is Your Teenager Having Emotional Problems?

Are you lamenting the easier times that you spent with your child as he or she was a little kid? Maybe you remember your own teen years and that they were often difficult ones. Or, maybe you were one of the lucky kids who sailed through the teen years without seeming to have a care in the world. Either way, if your teenaged son or daughter seems to be on an emotional roller coaster, you might be concerned that things are escalating. From doing things yourself to arranging for your child to have psychotherapy services, here are some ideas that might help.

​One On One Time - First of all, consider how serious the situation is. You might not know the answer to that, right? Even if you've had teenagers before, you have more than likely already figured out that each child has his or her own set of issues to deal with. Maybe your first teenager was so self confident and so popular that your second teenager feels like he or she can't measure up to an older sibling.

If you can communicate well with your teenager, count yourself truly lucky and even blessed. Think of going out with him or her on outings that invite conversation. For example, take a short road trip and make a rule that, while part of the time might be spent watching movies in the car, there will also be times when all electronics are turned off. There's just something about driving for miles and miles that invites conversation, right?

Let your teenager share whatever he or she wants to at his or her own pace. Think of questions you can ask that aren't answered with a simple Yes of No answer. For example, instead of asking, Do you enjoy school? ask, What are the things you like most about being at school? You get the picture, right?

Psychotherapy Services - There might be huge clues that you need to seek the help of a professional. For example, if your child's grades are dramatically plummeting, if he or she is hanging around a different group of friends and you aren't crazy about who they are, or if your child is all of a sudden becoming a hermit, those are probably clues that a psychotherapist needs to be involved.

If you decide to find psychotherapy services, consider finding a professional who deals especially with young people. He or she will have received training in how to communicate with children, teenagers and young adults. In addition, the psychotherapist more than likely has had the experience that is needed to determine what your child's needs are at this time in his or her life. Besides meeting with your teenager by themselves, the psychotherapist might recommend group counseling, too. 

At first, you might have to take your child to the psychotherapist on a weekly basis. As time passes, the sessions may become monthly meetings. The psychotherapist will make this determination as time goes by.

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