Is your teen stressed about their return to school?
There is a lot that could be causing your teen stress as the new school year begins. A new year means a new environment; whether that’s an entirely new school, new classes, new teachers, meeting new classmates, etc. All of this newness might be especially stressful, given how restricted much of life has been for the last year or so. Even if they have been transitioning to in person activities before the school year, each new transition brings about its own stressors and concerns.
Increased responsibility is another cause of stress as teens re-enter school. Their homework and school work will now be at a higher level, and there will likely be more of it than the year before. And their school work likely won’t be the only responsibility on their plate. They may also have things like sports, clubs, after school or weekend jobs, and any family or household responsibilities that fall to them.
Social dynamics can be a huge cause for stress in teens as well. As they get back to school they have to navigate making new friends, making time for friends they don’t have classes or clubs with, dating pressures,and the pressures of fitting in–all while still developing their sense of self.
And, of course, there is the stress of managing their everyday and academic responsibilities, while still living through a pandemic (which has had an impact on everyone’s mental health!)
Signs of high stress in teens can include:
- Them behaving more needy/clingy than usual
- Changes in eating habits (eating much less or much more)
- Changes in sleeping patterns (not sleeping, sleeping too much)
- Frequent aches (stomach, head)
- Heightened emotions, quick to anger or cry
- Restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating
So how can you support them? Here are some tips to help them manage their stress:
Encourage them not to bottle it up!
Your teen may have the urge or the instinct to bottle up their frustration or stress if they don’t know how to deal with it. But we know that bottling up our feelings doesn’t make them go away–and in fact often makes them worse. Instead, encourage them to talk about what they’re feeling.
And remember, they might not feel comfortable opening up to you as a parent. That doesn’t mean they don’t love or respect you–it can be hard for teens to be vulnerable with their parents. Let them know it’s important that they have space to express their feelings even if it isn’t with you. Other options for people they could open up to include friends, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, or a therapist.
Ask them what would help their stress level
You might think you know what is causing your teen the most stress, but they are the expert on what would help them. If they believe they have their school work handled and don’t need a tutor, don’t decide that you know better and hire a tutor anyway. Ask them what is causing them so much stress! If it’s not schoolwork, there is something else they probably need support with. Work together to find a solution you believe will be effective and that they feel good about.
Help them find balance
Do you know all the things your teen is juggling? It’s probably more than you think! Your teen might need some guidance as they figure out the best way to manage their time. Take tiem to sit with them and figure out their schedule. This can also help you keep an eye on if they are taking on too much at once.
Encourage them to ask for help when they need it
It’s important to remind your teen that they don’t actually have to do everything on their own. If they are struggling with school work, you can help them find a tutoring program. If they are struggling with their mental health, you can help them find a qualified professional to talk to. You don’t need to be the resource they use, but you can be the person who helps them find the right resource!
Create a routine but leave free time
Routines help ease stress. They are dependable and they help us to stay organized and on top of things.But not every minute of your teen’slife should be scheduled! They need free time to relax and be bored and creative or to just recharge.
Pivotal Counseling Center has therapists who can help you work through stress and anxiety. We have locations in Woodstock, Illinois, and Lake in the Hills, Illinois. If you are in need of someone to help, please consider giving us a call at (815) 345-3400 or contact us via our contact page.
