For Parents & Carers

Your teen may not always say it, but they want you to understand them, talk with them, and see who they really are — beyond the stereotypes. This article shares five powerful insights that young people hope adults will take to heart:

1. “Understand our development.”
   Teens aren’t “deficient adults” — they’re growing in complex, brave, and brain-changing ways.

2. “Talk with us, not at us.”
   Teens want to be part of the conversation, not simply told what to do. Involving them builds decision-making skills and mutual respect.

3. “Don’t stereotype us.”
   Not all teens are anxious, addicted to screens, or rebellious. Expecting the worst can bring out the worst.

4. “Understand our needs.”
   Just like adults, teens need connection, autonomy, respect, and purpose. Meeting these needs supports resilience and wellbeing.

5. “We want to learn things that matter.”
   Teens crave learning that’s practical — like how to handle emotions, set goals, and solve problems.

🧡 Want to dig deeper into these insights and learn how to connect better with your teen? Click here to read the full article.

Social anxiety can look like shyness, perfectionism, or even withdrawal—but underneath, many kids are facing big feelings they don’t always know how to name or manage. This thoughtful piece offers four habits that parents and caregivers can use to help children face fears without shame, at their own pace:

1. 🧠 Notice and name feelings, thoughts, and sensations
   Use playful tools (like feelings animals or stuffed toy "mind muddles") to help kids identify emotions without judgment. Awareness is the first step toward calming anxious thoughts.

2. 🐾 Understand that you're not alone
   Normalise social anxiety by sharing your own relatable stories and reading books where characters face the same struggles. This builds connection and reduces shame.

3. 💛 Soothe and encourage yourself with kindness
   Teach kids to talk to themselves like they would a friend—gently and supportively. Use phrases like “You’ve got this” and validate their effort and strength.

4. 🌱 Take action and celebrate progress
   Avoiding fear makes anxiety grow—so support kids in taking small, brave steps. Celebrate even tiny progress, and remind them that every effort counts.

🧡 Follow the link to read more tips and examples.