7 Steps to deal with Teen Problems

Teen problems can seem overwhelming for parents and adolescents alike. Insecurity about his appearance, friends, which college he has chosen or plans for the weekend might blow up into a major issue for your teen one moment and fade into history the next. You can help your teen understand and deal with his problems by establishing good communication patterns and treating his worries with a good dose of empathy mixed with equal portions of adult wisdom and patience.

Step 1

Read about the physical and emotional changes teenagers go through, and try to remember your own experience. Your child probably feels as confused as you might about her struggle for independence, sudden preoccupation with appearance and desire to fit in with her peers. Not every teen becomes a rebellious stranger, but pediatricians suggest that parents ready themselves for mood swings and conflict during adolescence, according to Kids Health. Knowing what you might face will help you prepare.

Step 2

Identify and address the problem, but avoid making assumptions. The solution to your teen's problem depends on the underlying cause. You might feel your teen was defying authority or foolishly choosing video games over education when he cut classes one Friday afternoon. Further questioning might reveal a bullying issue at school that made him afraid to attend physical education class. On the other hand, he might have given into pressure and spent the afternoon at the movies with his peer group.

Step 3

Build your teen's self-esteem every chance you get. Avoid comparing her to others. Instead, address her individual style and personality. Help her develop a healthy self-image by praising her efforts on the track team, kindness to her siblings or refusal to give up on a difficult homework assignment. Compliment her new hairstyle, beautiful smile or gorgeous eyes. Inner attributes such as honesty or integrity are obviously important, but teenagers also need to hear positive comments about their appearance, according to Kids

Health.

Step 4

Talk with your teen about some of the problems you faced as an adolescent. Avoid telling him how silly his current worries over hairstyles, clothing and friends will seem once he reaches adulthood. Instead, share with him how miserable you felt when you found that first pimple or did not make the cut for your high school swim team. Being honest about your teen experience helps relieve his feelings of isolation. You also become living proof that the angst of adolescence is only a temporary condition.

Step 5

Continue your role as parent. Your teen needs you to act as a guardian, coach and advocate rather than another friend. Sympathize with the difficulties she faces, but maintain your expectations regarding household rules, grades and respect for authority.

Step 6

Solve problems when possible or appropriate. Your teen's acne can cause debilitating social stress. Physicians can prescribe treatments that might diminish or clear acne lesions. Many teens face weight issues, which can severely damage self-esteem. Look for a program that emphasizes balanced nutrition and appropriate exercise routines rather than weight loss.

Step 7

Watch for warning signs that might indicate your teenager is experiencing more than a temporary problem. Rapidly falling grades, signs of alcohol or drug use, drastic or persistent changes in behavior and sudden legal difficulties can signal the need for professional advice. Talk with teachers, coaches or your family physician, and find the appropriate resources to help.