Helping Teenagers Today

Are today’s Teenagers really different than the teenagers of their parents? There are some obvious differences such as media, cell phones, increased college entrance competition, stronger marijuana, gap years, and more designer/store brand focus. As a therapist I have watched the changes occur rapidly. It’s tough to know what to do as parent. Personally, I’ve made a lot of mistakes but I keep trying something new. Cell phone? No cell phones? Now they’re streaming everything on any device. Keeping up with the latest most viewed Instagram post, getting contacts, views, watching YouTube, snapchat, memes, selfies every 10 seconds-it’s hard to relate. How can they successfully maintain their grades and social life? What about how to discipline? There is no one right approach, consequence, or reward for the situations that arise. My best resources come from talking to kids, parents, and other therapists. I’ve seen a simple, silly idea cause a social and school refusal kid attend school again or an anxious kid become a confident young woman with a great career she loves.