💬 Supporting Your Teen: A Quick Guide for Parents

🧠 Understanding Teens

• Teens’ brains are still developing—especially in decision-making and impulse control.
  
  

• Sleep is critical: aim for 8–10 hours nightly.
  
  

• Independence is key—offer choices instead of commands when possible.
  
  

• Keep communication open: listen first, validate feelings, and avoid jumping straight to solutions.
  
  

💡 Tip: Ask, “What do you think would help?” instead of giving instant advice.

📚 Academic Success

• Create a consistent homework or study routine (same time/place each day).
  
  

• Encourage your teen to check grades regularly and self-advocate with teachers.
  
  

• Ask specific questions like, “What’s one thing you learned today?” instead of “How was school?”
  
  

• Balance is important—help them manage stress by setting realistic expectations.
  
  

🗂️ Tip: Use a weekly calendar to track homework, activities, and downtime.

❤️ Mental Health & Well-Being

• Normal stress: mood swings, occasional frustration, more sleep.
  
  

• Warning signs: withdrawal, drastic behavior changes, loss of interest, hopelessness.
  
  

• Encourage movement, social connection, and time away from screens.
  
  

• Reach out early—school counselors and local resources can help before it’s a crisis.
  
  

🌿 Tip: Check in daily with simple questions like “How’s your stress today?”

📱 Technology & Social Media

• Talk about how online behavior affects reputation, safety, and emotions.
  
  

• Model balance—have screen-free times at meals or before bed.
  
  

• Know who your teen interacts with online and set clear limits if needed.
  
  

• Encourage positive use: creativity, learning, and connection—not comparison.
  
  

🔌 Tip: Try “Tech-Free Tuesdays” or screen-free dinners as a family.

⏰ Attendance Matters

• Missing even 2 days a month adds up—by year’s end, that’s over 10% of school time.
  
  

• Regular attendance is tied to better grades, stronger relationships, and future success.
  
  

• If absences are due to anxiety, health, or transportation—let the school know early; there’s support available.
  
  

• Encourage routines: consistent sleep, morning prep, and positive starts to the day.
  
  

🚗 Tip: Create a “morning success checklist” to make leaving for school easier.