Teens and Stress
Teens and Stress. Why are our children having panic attacks when they should be having fun? I can say back in the 80’s and 90’s we were not concerned or hyperventilating if we did not get straight A’s in high school and grade school. School at that time was seen to be boring. It got in the way of our playtime. All we wanted to do was ride bikes hang out with our friends and do the bare minimum to get by. Sports and having fun as a teen was out main priority.
So why are the teens so stressed out today? Are the parents pumping and pushing their kids so hard because that is their agenda? Do you care about your teens emotional stability or do you care about their intellectual intelligence?
Teens and Stress
Who are the major influences
That’s a good question that I want to ask parents today. Do you really think that the school has the best interest of your child in mind? Or are they more interested in school funding, receiving incentives for funding. Why is it alright for the guidance counselor and school to place a 5th grader in 9th grade math without first consulting the parents. These schools want the money, to be ranked A rated. This started the “no kid left behind”. Of course you’re not going to leave a kid behind because that would be a reflection of the school. It doesn’t really matter if the kid gets help or not. Of course he wont get help. Just pass them on through so we can continue to get the funding.
Why are all of the teens able to have untimed tests? They are diagnosed with generalized anxiety, performance and social anxiety. Now they go in and they have unlimited time to take a test.
Teens and Stress
Give them A Break
The following is a list that I have compiled that every parent can look at and benefit from. See if you can identify as having children that are extremely stressed.
- Are competitive, overachievers, and experiencing extreme stress and anxiety because of school related activities.
- Allow your team to come to you when they feel like they’re overwhelmed. Let them express if they do or do not want to do certain activity.
- Before you dismiss them, listen to what they have to say. Are they asking to drop out of life or are they clearly stating that they feel overwhelmed?
- Are you able to tell where you end and your teen begins? Do you find that it’s hard to separate your wants and desires for their future?
- Seek help and understand how you and your teen are hypnotized by a system that is pumping out teens into this world without any social, emotional health and well-being.
Teens and Stress
Bottom line is that nobody really cares about meeting another smart straight A “just out of college socially inept kid”. The world will flatten your teen if you do not allow them to start making mistakes and learn that being average is just fine. There are devastating consequences ahead of our youths future. We need to teach them to look others in the eyes. How about holding a door open for others. Volunteering time to others because they genuinely care. Not volunteering because they need the hours to look good on their transcript.
Call today if you feel your teen is experiencing anxiety. Reach out for help if you are not sure what to do or how to express it.
