3 Proven Steps to Help your Stressed-Out Teen

If your daughter could make ONE wish, what would it be?

Studies show that teens are experiencing a higher rate of tension headaches and disrupted sleep.

They’re struggling with how to balance multiple responsibilities … and it feels like too much to manage.

When your daughter experiences a significant stressor, and doesn’t have the tools to cope, it’s normal to “wish” the pain and problem would just go away, so she can feel better.

Many teenage girls yearn for power and control and the ability to have an effect on the actions, behaviors and opinions of others, especially when expectations are high, and responsibilities stack up.

The good news is, with a little bit of nurturing and some patience, your daughter’s wish can come true!

Once she understands how to exercise influence over her life, she’ll naturally lean into her ability to conquer her fears and find a path that feels organic and wholehearted.

Begin by encouraging your daughter to pause, get curious and answer these questions:

What are my intentions for change?

  • Recognize that intentions are often comprised of a combination of perceptions, fears, memories, rewards and risks.
  • Look at how these conscious and unconscious factors play a role in her actions and responses.
  • Be deliberate and honest as you set your intentions because they’ll impact your outcome.

How does being myself harness internal and external power?

  • Showing up and being consistent with your character displays dependability and stability.
  • Sticking to your values and being transparent show you’re trustworthy and willing to embrace vulnerability.
  • “The more we influence ourselves to be ourselves, people like us. And we like ourselves more, too.” (Success Magazine)

What’s most important right now?

  • Commit to monitoring and meeting your needs by stepping away from the constant flow of drama.
  • Invest your time in real friendships that channel your unique playfulness and boundless joy.
  • Build connections with folks that see the value in your commitment to inspire positive change.

The first step to becoming an influencer begins inside your daughter’s heart.

Remember, the real work begins when your daughter clearly identifies the role she plays in her world.

Harnessing the power to influence yourself (and others) to create positive change isn’t the same as trying to change how other people think and act.

It’s important to recognize the vast difference between those concepts.

Life is full of expectations and responsibilities … so, go ahead and take a leap of faith and make a wish the next time you see a penny on the ground!

If you set intentions that are sincere, I bet your ONE wish will come true!

“You’ve always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.” ~ The Wizard of Oz

 

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Posted in: Your Teen's Sense of Self

2 thoughts on “3 Proven Steps to Help your Stressed-Out Teen

  1. I enjoy reading your blog. Very helpful as I have to very vulnerable teenage girls. Any suggestions for handling drama and insecurities that others girls bring to a group, specifically when playing a sport together but don’t hang out off the court?

    1. Hi Linda,
      Thanks for reaching out.
      That’s a great question … as group dynamics, especially in a competitive environment, can cause drama and insecurities to the surface and spread like wild fire.
      In order to allow your daughter to keep her head in the game, I’d suggest that she come up with a mantra. A short, yet meaningful saying she can repeat in her head until she’s able to process the interaction off the court.
      You can also remind your daughter that negative mind-chatter is normal. It may sound silly, but self-talk is powerful. Have your daughter acknowledge her negative thought by saying “I hear you… but I’m not going to listen right now. Go away.”
      I hope this is helpful for you.
      Here’s to cultivating a more resilient teen!
      Shawna

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