None of us can expect to feel happy all the time. However, the social pressures, hormonal changes, and extra responsibilities piled upon young emerging adults are mental and emotional challenges that can weigh heavily on their emotions. Here are a few tips on how you can help your teenager happy more often.
Engage in Healthy Lifestyle Discussions
Social media has a lot to answer for when it comes to spreading unrealistic body ideals that are most often edited somehow. Adults can also impact a teen’s self-image when they express dissatisfaction with their bodies in front of their children.
Many schools are starting to fight back against unrealistic ideals, with educational programs producing excellent results in raising teen self-esteem. You can also support your young adult at home with regular discussions about how health and fitness are more important than one’s looks.
Family Time
Other ways to make your teenager happy are to schedule movie nights together or visits to relatives on the weekends. Mealtimes, when families can all gather around the dinner table simultaneously, are rarer these days, but try to get at least a few in every week. The average 14-year-old will roll their eyes and call it lame, but deep down, they would rather have family time than not.
Create a Balanced Life
Teenagers would have you believe they are sophisticated individuals with complex needs. However, research shows they appreciate the simpler things in life like owning a bike, having friends over a couple of times a week, or spending time on social media catching up with peers. The last point should be done in moderation, as studies reveal links between extended social media exposure to depressive episodes.
Know When to Take a Break
Puberty is a tough time for teens, who often find themselves struggling to contain their emotions. Previously mild-mannered parents can find tensions straining to boiling point. When you find yourself embroiled in a shouting match with your teenager, remind yourself to take a break and come back when cooler heads prevail.