As a parent addressing teen attachment issues can be difficult. You may not know what to do or say to help your teen with their struggles. Research shows that help may be behind the tv screen. Recent studies have found that stories from tv or movies can help individuals cope or manage their own relationship problems. Fictional characters from tv and movies can help individuals better understand their own relationship struggles. Encourage your teen to analyze the relationships of tv characters and how outcomes would have change had they responded differently to the situation.
Steps to Support
Teens attachment issues are not something that will go away overnight. This issue can cause your teen a great deal of stress and emotionally drain them. You may feel like you are constantly trying to help them overcome these issues and nothing is changing. However, you should not give up. With love, care, support, and a lot of patience, you can have a pivotal role in helping your teen manage attachment issues.
Here are some ways you can be supportive towards your teen:
- Set realistic expectations. While it seems ideal to fix things overnight, recognize that this is not realistic. Set small goals and celebrate every achievement on the way to the goal. It is all about baby steps.
- Keep patient. This point cannot be stressed enough. Sometimes things will not go as planned and that’s okay. By being calm and patient you are creating a better outlook and environment for your teen to heal in.
- Take care of you. Before you can help your teen with their own stresses, you must have yours under control. Make sure you are taking appropriate measures to prioritize your own well-being so you can be well-equipped to help your teen.
- Seek support. It is always okay to ask for help. This could be the very thing that your teen needs. Lean on family, friends, community resources, and professionals to help you and your family during this time. Don’t wait until you are desperate to ask—this can make things worse. Create a nurturing and supportive environment from the beginning.
Solstice East can help
Solstice East is a residential treatment center for young women ages 14-18 struggling with behavior and emotional issues such as those that can stem from peer-relationship struggles. This program focuses on helping young women heal, recover, and integrate healthy habits into their lives. Students will learn to build healthy relationships, cope with emotions, and effectively communicate. Solstice East gives young women the skills and confidence they need to lead happy and healthy lives. We can help your family today!
Contact us at (855) 672-7058.