HOW DO I STAY AWARE OF WHAT’S REALLY GOING ON WITH MY KIDS?
All teenagers have personal issues, and most struggle at times. Many turn to alcohol or drugs to feel better for a while or fit in with their friends. No matter what is going on with your kids, it’s better if you are aware of it. Because then you can help.
How can you stay more aware of what’s going on with your kids?
Do your best to understand their world
Ask open-ended questions about their activities and friends and show genuine interest in the ups and downs of their life. Listen with empathy rather than judgment or advice, and then listen some more.
Help them develop their self-awareness
Ask them what situations make them uncomfortable and when they feel anxious, sad, or left out. Help them identify any negative thought patterns they may have. Assure them everyone has issues, and it’s okay not to be okay.
Assess the risk factors and warning signs
In just 2 minutes, you can take a Teenage Wellness Assessment on the PACES for Parents online learning center. This tool will help you identify risk factors and warning signs before something goes wrong.
Here are other resources that can help you be aware of how your kids are doing:
- “What Teenagers Don’t Know Can Hurt Them”
- “Do You Know What is Really Going On With Your Kids?”
- “PACES: Steps to Becoming a Better Parent”
- “Why Teenagers Take Drugs”
Next Right Steps: Thinking of one of your kids, compare how they are doing emotionally, spiritually, and personally now versus a year ago.
