As parents, we want our teens to form healthy relationships and engage meaningfully with their community, but in today’s world of social media and rapid change, guiding them can feel overwhelming. This month, we’re sharing strategies to help your teen build confidence, social skills, and responsibility while staying connected to family values.
Why Connection Matters
Teens thrive when they:
● Feel confident in their identity and choices.
● Develop social skills to navigate friendships and new situations.
● Learn responsibility by keeping commitments and problem-solving.
Without support, teens may struggle with isolation, peer pressure, or risky
behaviors.
How to Support Your Teen
1. Boost Their Confidence
● Create a secure home base where they feel accepted.
● Praise efforts, not just outcomes (e.g., “I love how you handled that conversation!”).
● Encourage decision-making—let them choose extracurriculars or plan outings.
2. Teach Social Skills
● Role-play scenarios: Practice introducing themselves or ordering food.
● Discuss current events to build conversation skills.
● Debrief after social events: “What went well? What might you try next time?”
3. Plan Ahead for Risks
● Ask “What if…?” questions: “What if your phone dies at the concert?”
● Agree on safety plans: Check-in times, emergency contacts, and exit strategies.
● Review afterward: Celebrate successes and adjust plans as needed.
4. Encourage Commitment
● Model reliability: “I promised Aunt Maria I’d help, so I’ll be back by 5.”
● Discuss consequences: “How would your teammate feel if you skipped practice?”
5. Foster Empathy
● Talk about others’ perspectives: “How do you think your friend felt when that happened?”
● Volunteer together: Community service builds compassion.
Key Takeaways
✅ Balance freedom with guidance—teens need room to grow but benefit from boundaries.
✅ Stay curious, not critical, about their friendships.
✅ Problem-solve with them, not for them.
For more tips, explore Triple P’s Teen Connection Strategies by singing up for
Teen Triple P at Parentingnow.org, or ask about local parenting workshops.