Daily Tips for Families

Today's Tip for Families

05-20-2022

Be a Safety Valve for Your Teen

Stress can derail a teen's academic performance. You can help your teen cope with feeling under pressure. The trick is to do it without adding other pressures and making your teen boil over.

To be a safety valve for your student:

Show you care. Be available. Respect your teen's feelings. Listen without judging.
Boost your teen's self-confidence. Be supportive, but not smothering. Allow your teen chances to solve problems before you step in. Help your student feel capable.
Suggest ways your teen can manage pressure. Most of the time, it's good to take action. But there are times when it's not. Help your teen learn the difference.
Don't make unrealistic demands. Teens need to feel they are working toward their own goals, not their parents'.
Don't push your teen into social experiences. Teens mature emotionally at different rates.
Help your teen view mistakes as learning opportunities.
Allow your teen some time to be alone. Time to think, dream, plan and make decisions.
Encourage effective study habits, such as sticking with a regular homework time. When studying is routine, it's easier to deal with increasing workloads.
Provide a steady foundation. Be firm, fair and consistent in teaching your teen right from wrong.

Brought to you by:

Family and School Partnerships
Fairfax County Public Schools

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