Adolescent Emotional

Health

Peadar Maxwell, Senior PsychologistPresentation Secondary School, April

2014

OverviewThe Adolescent Brain Staying ConnectedFriends & RelationshipsUnderstanding AngerEncouraging ResponsibilityPromoting IndependencePlanning for RiskProblem Solving

… but first . . . our hopes and

dreamsHave positive healthy relationships and a healthy lifestyle

Do their best in studies and work

Connected into their family & community

the adolescent brain

12 to mid-twenties Associated with risk and trouble Body is the healthiest Life is at its most dangerous Purpose of adolescence Science differs from media picture Dependency to adult independence Transformation of brain

infrastructure Self-awareness Connection, NOVELTY

staying connected

Encourage true confidence Security, predictability, family fun, acknowledge her

efforts, express views,

Encourage planning set goals review

Encourage self-care and taking care of others

friends, peers, relationships

Peers become increasingly important

Peer difficulties can lead of lower self-esteem

Some relationships lead to troubleOther people’s perspective

Encouraging positive peer relationships

Difficulty making friends

encouraging positive peer relationships

Know their friends and their parents

Show interest in and encourage activities

Assess if she has difficulty making friends

Talk about the difference between friends, acquaintances and ‘friends/followers’

encouraging positive peer relationships

Set clear, doable rules

Think about reducing harmful contactsBe mindful of her sensitivity to

criticism

Difficulty making friends

Don’t be afraid to talk about it

Explore how to make and keep friends

For reluctant teens encourage action/activity

encouraging responsibility

Taking part in family decisions

Respect and considerationVoice, listening, rules, helping out,

being encouraged

Staying involved in family activities

Develop reliability

Healthy lifestyle

Being assertive

encouraging independence

Help establish routinesMeals, exercise, homework, sleep,

hygiene

Encourage involvementClubs, sports, exercise, school rules

Encourage problem solving

Planning for riskIdentify risk situations

Plan Not experienced for when things go wrong

Talk about concerns Have a rescue rule

Select risk reduction strategies

Reward appropriate behaviours

Specify back-up consequences

Review

AngerAnxiety and anger are normal,

natural, psychological and physicalAnger is our body’s response to

perceived threat – no matter how real that threat is. This perceived threat activates that part of the protective brain that floods the body with stress chemicals and stress hormones. The child experiencing anxiety/angry feelings may be hyper-aroused.

discuss feelings with your child

Child’s own description of his/her feelings and thoughtsWhat exactly has upset her?

Child may be avoiding certain things because of the feelings these thoughts produce.

Problem Solving with your child

1. Have him break down the story of the problem.

2. Check that you have the story/problem3. Ask what he would like to do about it4. Imagine putting solutions into Practice5. Testing it out, one solution/action at a

time.6. Encourage him and check back in with

him.7. Praise success and explore non-success8. Do you need to take any action?

After this workshop

Use this opportunity to discuss with your child alternative ways of being open and honest with one another

Expressing emotions and negotiating is healthy and often positive.

We just need to make sure that we also express our anger in a positive way!

Let your child know that you can’t supervise and mind her if you don’t know what’s going on

Take home messages

The adolescent brain is wired to seek novelty and the company of her peers

Teenagers need the company and guidance of their parents and other caring adults

We all grow in relationships: Relationships require face-to-face contact

Healthy teens have a balance of dependence and independence, peer time and family time

Information technology is not going away: Rather than reject it or remain confounded parents can learn about it.

Boundaries help all young people feel safe and cared for

Each parent is their child’s best expert.

Thanks for your attention

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