4 Things to Say to a Stressed Out Teenager

3) Relax and don’t take yourself too seriously.

Kids, especially teenagers, tend to be idealistic.

Many of them think that the world depends on them and that they should be able to do everything perfectly.

Thus, when they encounter a pothole in their road, they think they have failed their family and the whole world. Gently remind them that this is not the case. They are important and they mean the world to you, but they don’t have to carry the burden of being always strong and perfect. Remind them that they are allowed to be flawed and imperfect, and they’ll still be able to change the world because and not despite of these.

4) Be kind to yourself.

Finally, just as how you’re teaching your kids to be kind to others, never forget to teach them to always be kind to themselves.

Teach them that they don’t need to beat themselves over a simple mistake because making mistakes is part of learning.

Teach them to work hard and be responsible but never to not hold themselves up to an impossible standard.

Mums, remember that the best way to teach your kids these lessons is to practice them yourselves.

Do you hold yourself up to an impossible standard? Let go of it. Are you a criticiser? Stop doing it and be an encourager instead.

Do you take yourself too seriously? Change it and your kids will follow suit. Live life so that your kids will understand that a simple mistake does not mean the end of the world! Live life so that your kids will view mistakes as a challenge to do better and change the world!

How do you deal with a stressed out teenager?