When your once outgoing, happy child becomes indifferent and joyless, it’s rarely something that happens overnight. This kind of change usually unfolds gradually, over weeks or even months. Regardless of how your child’s shift into a state of emotional withdrawal or unhappiness came about, it can be deeply concerning—and heartbreaking—for a parent.
Is it normal for teens not to talk to their parents? The short answer: yes. But the real question is, is it a problem, or is this just typical teenage behavior?
If your teen has a toxic friendship, it can be frustrating to see that person in your home, stirring up negativity. You might want your teen to cut ties, but that’s easier said than done. Here’s what you can do to handle the situation without pushing your child away.
Disciplining someone else’s kid is definitely one of the more uncomfortable situations you can find yourself in. It’s not easy, but it happens. When you do have to step in, think about how you’d want someone else to handle your child in a similar situation—with patience, empathy, and understanding.
It’s totally normal for teens to push away from their parents—it’s a natural part of growing up and establishing independence. But let’s be real, that doesn’t make it any easier for parents. If your once-chatty teen is now distant and hardly talking to you, it can feel sad and cause a parent to despair
Parenting is tough, and according to a recent report from the U.S. Surgeon General, 4 in 10 parents feel so overwhelmed by stress that they say they can’t even function. If you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone. But how do you push through it?
When your child is caught in a bad relationship, it’s natural to focus on the immediate issues stemming from that relationship. However, it’s essential to recognize that this problematic relationship might not be the only issue at play
Is your teen caught up in a toxic relationship and can’t see how harmful it really is? The intense emotions they’re experiencing may be the most powerful they’ve ever felt, and the allure of being someone else’s “savior” in a codependent love affair might have them feeling like a hero. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—many parents have been in your shoes.
Most people have thought about suicide at some point in their lives. As adults, it’s very alarming to consider suicide in relation to our kids. However, it’s natural to occasionally question, “Why should I keep going?” or “Why am I here?” Having a conversation with your teen about suicide is crucial. When teens discuss these thoughts with a trusted adult, they often realize there are many positive reasons to keep living.
For parents, there can be a lot of discomfort in talking to our kids about scary things like teen suicide and other dangers. These kinds of conversations bring up all kinds of scary emotions that we’d rather not go anywhere near. However, it is crucial to have these discussions in a calm and collected manner. If you’re scared or hesitant, your kid is going to pick up on it and match your energy.
