Raising teens requires a whole new perspective – and as the mother of three boys, I know first hand the unique challenges you are facing! At no other time will your child go through so many physical and emotional changes, with frequent self-esteem challenges. Connecting with your teen has never been more important, and now is the time to raise tough subjects with him/her.
Talking is even more difficult given the emotional rollercoaster teens experience. I know acne can pack an emotional punch and studies show it can have a significant impact on self-confidence and body image.11 It can make your child feel frustrated, angry and even depressed.11
The good news is your words and actions can help build positive self-esteem, which is extremely important to your child’s happiness and success in life. Give my do’s and don’ts tips a chance to help bridge the communication gap and boost your teen’s self-confidence.
Michele’s tips for talking with teens
| Do: | Be a know-it-all Learn about the topic affecting your teen, whether it’s acne, peer pressure, bullying, sportsmanship or dating woes, to show your concern and interest. |
| Don’t: | Rely on “because I said so” You lose credibility when you can’t back-up advice with information and facts. Need the facts on acne? Click here! |
| Do: | Learn how to communicate like a teen Get tech savvy! Learn how to text message, IM and email to better identify with how your teen communicates. Use text messaging and email to send reminders/quick updates and check-in with your teen – "u have dr app at 4," "did u take ur acne med? Prom is coming up! Mall at 3?" "How did the test go?" |
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| Don’t: | Overstep your bounds It’s great to be “with it,” but you don’t want to seem like you are trying to invade your teen’s “online space.” Trying too hard to be “too cool” can backfire – take it slow, try one new method of communication at a time. |
| Do: | Get into your kid’s time zone Timing is everything, including talking to your teen at the right time of day. Know when he/she is most receptive to talking – and make sure you’re available. And, once you identify that time, try to make a ritual out of it. For example, if you know your teen is up for talking during a break from his/her homework around 9:00 p.m., make it a family tradition to take a break, gather for a snack at the kitchen table and talk about what is going on in his/her life. |
| Don’t: | Be distracted Your teen’s attention is a precious commodity, so eliminate distractions when possible – put the cell phone away for a few minutes and give him/her your undivided attention. |
Michele’s self-esteem builders
Give praise where praise is due
Even though your teen won’t show it, he/she thrives on positive recognition and attention. Your teen likely faces so many challenges in his/her daily life – he/she welcome hearing something positive from you. Take mental notes about the specifics in your child’s life and follow-up to let him/her know that you are paying attention and are proud.
Encourage the power of positive thinking
What we think determines how we feel and how we behave, so it is important to teach your teen to have a positive self image.
Teach your teen to become his/her own boss
We all need to take responsibility for our own lives. By taking charge, we shape who we are. Teens, who crave independence, are ready to get involved and learn this important life skill.
Get the full scoop on talking to your teen about acne. Download a free copy of the Talking Acne with Your Teen e-guide.
Feel like you now know what it takes to tackle tough subjects like acne with your teen? Share the wealth! Acne affects lots of teens, so share Dr. Borba’s advice with other moms. E-mail this site to your friends and family who could use some help jumpstarting tough conversations.
