Parents often have so many questions when faced with the challenges of raising children. From managing boredom and screen time to navigating mental health concerns and high school transitions.
The transition to high school is one of the biggest changes in a young person’s life. New routines, tougher academics, shifting friendships, and greater independence can be overwhelming.
Encouraging open conversations about their experiences is key. Ask about their school day in a way that invites more than a one-word response. Instead of “How was school?” try “What was the best part of your day?”
Helping them build good routines for sleep, study, and social time can also make a difference. Offer guidance on managing schoolwork without micromanaging, and remind them that feeling a little lost at first is completely normal.
While they may push for independence, knowing you’re available when they need support provides a sense of security.
Why Won’t My Teen Talk to Me?
As teens grow, they often withdraw from their parents while seeking independence. This doesn’t mean they don’t want connection, connection just looks different now and their interests may have changed.
Instead of direct questioning, try talking while doing something together, like driving or cooking. Conversations feel less pressured when there’s no intense eye contact. If they send you a meme or mention something random, use that as an opportunity to engage rather than redirecting the conversation back to school or responsibilities.
Giving them space while staying approachable helps keep lines of communication open.
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How Much Screen Time Is Too Much?
Rather than focusing solely on how many hours they spend on screens, consider how screen time is affecting their well-being. Trouble focusing on schoolwork, mood swings, or a lack of interest in offline activities are signs they might need a better balance.
Setting screen-free zones, such as no phones at the dinner table or before bedtime, can help without making screens the enemy. Remember you need to role model this.
Encouraging breaks and offering alternative activities, like going for a walk or playing a game together, creates natural pauses in screen use.
How Can I Get My Teen to Sleep Earlier?
Many teens naturally have later sleep cycles, making early school mornings challenging. Lack of sleep can lead to irritability, trouble focusing, and even increased stress.
To help them get enough rest, encourage a consistent wake-up time—even on weekends—to regulate their body clock. Creating a relaxing pre-bedtime routine, such as dimming the lights and avoiding screens, can make winding down easier. Suggesting a book, music, or another quiet activity can help replace late-night scrolling.
What Are Signs My Child Is Struggling with Mental Health?
Some stress is normal, but prolonged changes in behaviour can signal a deeper issue. Signs to watch for include avoiding school, withdrawing from friends, extreme mood swings lasting more than two weeks, and changes in sleep or appetite.
If you’re concerned, start with a conversation. Instead of asking, “Are you okay?” try something more specific, like “I’ve noticed you seem quieter lately—do you want to talk about it?” If their struggles continue, consider reaching out to a GP, school counsellor, or mental health professional for support.
How can I help my teen with their mental health?
How Can I Build My Teen’s Resilience?
Resilience helps teens cope with stress, setbacks, and challenges. One of the best ways to build resilience is by letting them solve their problems instead of immediately stepping in to fix things. Allow time for them to be confused, stressed or overwhelmed. Don’t try to fix it.
Allowing them to experience small failures helps them develop problem-solving skills and builds confidence. Ask questions like “What have you already tried?” rather than “Why don’t you try…””
Encouraging coping skills like deep breathing, journaling, or exercise can also help them manage stress in a healthier way.
Should I Be Worried If My Child Wants More Privacy?
Wanting more privacy is a normal part of growing up. It doesn’t necessarily mean they’re hiding something, it’s often a sign they’re trying to establish independence.
If their need for privacy turns into secrecy, withdrawal, or avoiding family altogether, it may be worth checking in. Setting reasonable boundaries, like keeping phones and other internet-connected devices out of bedrooms overnight while respecting their personal space, can create a healthy balance.
How Can I Encourage My Teen to Do Homework Without Nagging?
Nagging rarely motivates teens, in fact, it often has the opposite effect. Instead of telling them how and when to study, ask how they plan to approach their work. Questions like, “What’s your plan for finishing your project?” gives them a sense of ownership over their responsibilities.
Try body double with them. Some folk work well when they’re with someone else. So try “co-working” together. Maybe go to a library together or set up a space in the house to work together undistracted. The book “feel good productivity” is a good one to check out for more tips.
Creating a distraction-free study space while allowing flexibility in how they study helps them feel in control. Encouraging movement and small breaks can also improve focus and prevent burnout.
What If My Child Is Struggling to Make Friends?
Not every teen is naturally social, and that’s okay. If they’re feeling isolated, ask them what they would like to do, and brainstorm ways they can connect with others over things they enjoy doing like joining clubs, sports, or other activities where they can meet like-minded peers.
Helping them practice social skills by role-playing conversations or strategies for making new friends can also boost confidence. Remind them that friendships take time, and it’s okay if they don’t instantly find their people. Don’t lecture or nag them and allow space for them to feel their feelings without trying to correct them.
How Can I Set Rules Without Feeling Controlling?
Balancing boundaries with independence is key. Involving your teen in rule-setting helps them feel ownership over expectations.
Instead of saying, “No phone after 9 PM,” try, “What do you think is a reasonable time to turn off screens at night?” This encourages them to take responsibility while understanding the reason behind the rule.
Consistency is important, but flexibility shows you respect their growing independence.
What If They Push Me Away?
Teens may act like they don’t need support, but they still want to know you’re there. Think of your role like a pool wall—they push off into independence but need to know they can reach for support when needed.
Even if their way of seeking connection is subtle, responding with patience and consistency lets them know they always have a safe place to turn.
When Should I Be Concerned About Mood Swings?
Hormonal changes mean mood swings are normal, but prolonged sadness, irritability, or anger that interferes with daily life could indicate a deeper issue. If mood changes last more than two weeks, affect school or social interactions, or come with withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed, it may be time to check in with a professional.
Need Extra Support?
If you’re noticing signs of anxiety, stress, or mental health struggles in your child, seeking support early can make a difference. Helpful resources include:
- Headspace – Free mental health support for young people
- Beyond Blue – Support for anxiety and depression
- Parentline – Expert parenting advice
Parenting comes with endless questions, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Staying patient, available, and engaged helps build a strong foundation for connection and resilience.
For more parenting insights, stay tuned for future posts or explore additional resources.
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