Adolescence is a crucial period of social and emotional development for mental health. Here, your teen is vulnerable to extreme, negative situations and emotional stressors. According to the World Health Organization on adolescent mental health, as many as 1 in 7 10-19 year-olds experience mental health conditions—including emotional and behavioral disorders.
The most common behavioral disorders include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder, which 2.4% of 15-19 year-olds experience. Since most teens don’t have to face these behavioral disorders, those who suffer may struggle to fit in with their peers, have difficulty learning, and be at greater risk of exhibiting criminal behavior.
To help adolescents adapt to their behavioral disorders, it’s of utmost importance that parents support them fully. Below are some ways parents can help their adolescent children deal with behavioral difficulties.
Consult with a clinical psychologist
One of the best courses of action when dealing with adolescent behavioral problems is to seek professional help. American Psychological Association’s insights on clinical psychology note that clinical psychologists are one of the most equipped to deal with human behavior. Their expertise in abnormal psychology and human cognition means they can help parents diagnose and devise treatment plans that can effectively improve their teen’s well-being. Our therapy approach at Psynso Clinic provides experienced counseling psychologists to help adolescents work through a broad spectrum of human problems. This way, your teen has the space to talk and deal with any issues that come with behavioral disorders.
Connect with your teen
Teens still need love and support from their peers—and especially their parents—when facing troubles brought on by their behavioral disorders. While it can be challenging to connect with your child at this age as they deal with these conditions, it’s crucial that you show your concern and take the time to learn about their problems. You can start by presenting opportunities where your teen can talk without pressure. For instance, your family can sit together for a meal without distractions like your phones or the TV. It can take time for them to open up about their personal feelings, so make sure to find common ground, such as sports, hobbies, or movies, to help them feel more comfortable talking to you first.
Set clear rules and consequences
Parents can especially struggle with a child who can be aggressive or violent. That’s why it’s vital that parents establish rules and consequences as soon as possible. A study by the University of Pennsylvania on early adolescent impulsivity notes that it’s possible to prevent more disruptive behaviors, such as antisocial personality disorders or alcohol use disorder, into late adolescence when preventive interventions are made early on. The perfect time to set clear boundaries is when you and your teen are calm. Doing so ensures that there is no unfair power play going on. Make sure your child understands that they need to be responsible for their actions and face the consequences if they lash out unnecessarily—be it a loss of privileges or involvement of authority figures.
Help your teen find workarounds
Rather than scolding or blaming your teen for unwanted behaviors, you need to adapt your parenting approach in a way that helps you work around their weaknesses. For example, a teenager with ADHD may struggle to focus while studying. A parent can help by changing their workspace to cater to their preferences and strengths. As shared by ADDitude magazine on creating an inviting study environment, it’s important to ask for your teen’s input to discover what inspires them to work—whether their favorite pens, a whiteboard, or soft background music. By investing in what your teen enjoys and synergizes with, you can work with their strengths and help them adapt to their behavioral disorders.
Anchilee Selene Croston is a freelance writer. She writes a variety of topics, but specializes in education and tech. When not working on her next piece, she enjoys spending time with her two Labradors. Feel free to contact her via email cheyanne.seren01@gmail.com
