Adolescence is a time of major physical, psychological, and social change. It is the period between the ages of 10 to 19. Adolescents have unique needs that must be met in order for them to thrive. They need a safe and supportive environment in which they can explore their identity, develop their independence, and form positive relationships. They also need adults who are there for them, who can provide guidance and support when needed, but also respect their autonomy. The habits adolescents form during this period can impact their future in a variety of ways.
Adolescents are going through a time of confusion and uncertainty, and without the right support from parents, caregivers, and pediatricians, there can be a lot of problems. As a parent, here are some things you can do to promote Mental health at home.
What Parents Can Do To Raise Healthy, Well-Adjusted Adolescents
There are many things that parents can do to help their adolescents develop into healthy adults.
Physical Health
One of the most important things to do is to make sure your child is getting enough exercise. This can be done by encouraging them to participate in sports or other activities that they enjoy. It is also important for parents to model a healthy lifestyle themselves and provide their adolescents with nutritious food options. Finally, it is crucial to teach them about the importance of taking care of their bodies and avoiding risky behaviors such as smoking, drinking, and using drugs.
Mental Health
Mental health is just as critical as physical health in adolescence. Here are some things to help support your child’s mental health:
- Provide a stable and loving home environment to create a stable safe place for adolescents, ensure that there is a consistent routine in place, and that you give clear and concise rules and expectations, and maintain open communication channels. It is also important to provide support and guidance during times of transition or stress.
- Encourage positive self-esteem and body image. One of the most important things that you can do is provide unconditional love and support. This means accepting them for who they are and not try to change them or compare them to others. It’s also important to encourage positive self-talk and healthy coping mechanisms when they face challenges or setbacks. Teach them how to deal with failure in a healthy way by helping them see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Additionally, help them find activities that they excel in to make them feel good about themselves. Next, encourage body positivity by helping them feel comfortable in their own skin. Provide them with positive reinforcement through compliments, words of encouragement, and affirming statements. It is essential to lead by example and show them that all bodies are beautiful just the way they are.
- Teach responsible decision-making skills. First, it is important to provide clear and concise information about the consequences of the choices they make. Second, allow them to practice making decisions in safe and controlled environments. Finally, encourage them to think about their decisions carefully before acting on them.
- Help them develop strong relationships with family and friends. It is important for adolescents to develop strong relationships with family and friends. There are many ways to do this, but some key things include spending time together, communicating openly and honestly, being there for each other during good times and bad, respecting each other’s opinions and feelings, and supporting each other through thick and thin. By teaching adolescents these things early on in their lives, they will be more likely to have strong relationships that last a lifetime.
Adolescent Health Services in Tuckahoe, NY
Taking your children to their well-child visits with their pediatricians also helps keep them healthy and provides them with the physical and mental health services they need. The board-certified pediatricians and staff at Village Pediatric Group provide a range of medical services to meet your adolescent’s needs and deliver them with compassion and utmost care.
For any questions or to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians, call our pediatric clinic in Tuckahoe, NY, today at (914) 771-7070 or use our convenient online request form. We are an all-female practice that welcomes diversity in our clinic.
