Many people will remember their teenage years as some of the best and some of the most challenging of their lives. It is during these years that we begin the process of becoming adults, both physically and mentally. We go though phases that transition from continual parental control to near, or complete freedom to make our own decisions and way in life. A wise person once told me that a parent’s role in their children’s teen years is to control the boundaries while the teen’s job is to push those boundaries. Tweens/Teens struggle with many things during this time of their lives: the physical changes taking place within their bodies, peer relationships (social media, bullying, clics), demands from parents and educators, and increasing self-awareness. Any one of these can be daunting and, many times, tweens/teens feel uncomfortable in talking about these challenges with parents or friends. It is not unusual for these young people to keep their anxieties bottled-up which can lead to emotional distress, fear, confusion, depression and low self-worth. These can manifest in poor grades, withdrawal from family and friends, or, in worst cases, self-injurious behavior.
I raised two sons and am well aware of what those years can bring in terms of emotional challenges. My goal is to provide a calm environment in which your tween/teen learns to see me as a trusted adult with whom they can share their mental and emotional stressors in a confidential and safe environment.