Teens and High School: Make Your Teen’s Physical, Emotional, and Mental Health Priority Number One

As the parent of a teen, the pressure and demands are never ending. But that’s okay because you know it comes with the territory. And, there is the feeling of satisfaction and joy as you watch your child grow and mature.  Nonetheless the pressure and demands of guiding, protecting, and nurturing are ever-present.

Parents often get caught up in making sure their child takes the right classes in order to be on a certain academic track. They work strategically at selecting summer programs, sports actives, and various clubs. They plan certain internships, jobs and travel opportunities that will look good moving toward that college application.  But then something happens that makes a parent realize they have not paid close enough attention to the physical, emotional, or mental health of their child.

It may sound simple and goes without saying but let’s say it anyways. Look at your child, up close and from a distance. Pay attention to their hair, skin, and teeth. Observe how they walk and how they talk. Take note of their friends. Carefully scrutinize subtle changes. Don’t be reluctant to ask other trusted family members and friends if they notice changes.

In the total scheme of all you do, guarding your teen’s physical, emotional, and mental health should be at the top of the list. When you have a child, who is physically ill, mentally stressed, or emotionally teetering, the rest of life has a way of putting itself on the back burner. Be vigilant; don’t hesitate. If you sense something is amiss or feel there are issues that should be addressed, ask questions and seek professional help when necessary. Do not spend time wondering if, contemplating maybe, thinking things will work out, it’s only a phase, or this will go away. Take action to deal with what you observe. Your child’s well-being is at stake.