Raising teens
Most young people and their families experience some ups and downs during the early teen years. The child in your care needs you now more than ever, even if it isn’t obvious in the way they behave. The compassion you show and the way you advocate for your teen in these first few years at high school and in their community are hugely important. It helps restore their optimism and pride, and gives them the strength and self-belief they need to think differently about their future.
Managing risky behaviour
Thrill-seeking is normal among teenagers. They do it to explore their own abilities, test their limits, and express themselves as individuals. Prepare yourself for mistakes and slip-ups, and help your teen to learn from them.
Be your teen’s back-up
Stay in touch with what your teen is doing and who they’re seeing. Welcome friends over and know who they are. Let your child know you can always help them get out of tricky situations, whether it’s picking them up from a party early or helping them work out how to deal with peer pressure.
Engage with school
Kids who are actively involved in school are less likely to get into risk-taking behaviour. Get kids to try out for sports and school plays, go to camps, join the debating team, the band or the choir, or help out at fundraising days.
Have a break from friends
Kids with low self-esteem are more easily influenced by their peers – and teenagers are more than twice as likely to take a risk in the company of friends. If you are concerned about the influence of friends, create an opportunity for your child to spend time away from them. Encourage them to take up a new sport or social activity. Or take a few days off and head out of town. If you go on holiday, make sure you let your caseworker know.
Get support for extreme moods or behaviour
When behaviour is dangerous, violent or there is self-harm or sadness that lasts more than a few days, it’s vital you seek help from the caseworker or school, as well as professional support. The first priority is to keep the teenager safe. In serious cases, where there is a threat to the safety of the child or others, you may need to contact police.