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Adolescents, Explained

How to understand the teenage brain

Motivation
Who's Responsible for a Child's Success in School?

David Schwartz LMFT on April 2, 2024

When a child is struggling in school, parents have choices. They can work with their child, or they can blame the school and teachers. Which is more effective?

When a child is struggling in school, parents have choices. They can work with their child, or they can blame the school and teachers. Which is more effective?

Burnout
Avoiding Parental Burnout

David Schwartz LMFT on March 4, 2024

There are times when parenting can be overwhelming. To prevent parent burnout, it's important to recognize we are not perfect and take the time we need to make our best decisions.

There are times when parenting can be overwhelming. To prevent parent burnout, it's important to recognize we are not perfect and take the time we need to make our best decisions.

Adolescence
Are You Talking With Your Teens or Just Talking at Them?

David Schwartz LMFT on January 30, 2024

The difference between talking "with" teens and "at" them can be night and day. When teens care about what we have to say, it can make parenting much more effective.

The difference between talking "with" teens and "at" them can be night and day. When teens care about what we have to say, it can make parenting much more effective.

Self-Esteem
Five Minutes That Can Change a Teen’s Life

David Schwartz LMFT on December 6, 2023

Comments of support can make a lasting difference in a child's life. Teenagers can gain confidence and self-esteem when they know we believe in them.

Comments of support can make a lasting difference in a child's life. Teenagers can gain confidence and self-esteem when they know we believe in them.

Boundaries
The Importance of Creating Boundaries to Help Keep Kids Safe

David Schwartz LMFT on November 7, 2023

Parents have to make difficult choices when putting boundaries in place for adolescents. When it involves harmful substances, kids need to know what's expected of them.

Parents have to make difficult choices when putting boundaries in place for adolescents. When it involves harmful substances, kids need to know what's expected of them.

The media choices we have can occupy a teen's mind all day long.
Adolescence
Teens May Just Need Some Time to Think

David Schwartz LMFT on August 7, 2023

With all of the options available to occupy our time, it can be especially tough for teenagers to actually take the time to think about their goals and desires.

With all of the options available to occupy our time, it can be especially tough for teenagers to actually take the time to think about their goals and desires.

Adolescence
A Teen's Emotions Can Quickly Escalate Out of Control

David Schwartz LMFT on May 23, 2023

It's no secret that teenagers can be volatile. At those times, trying to communicate with them may not be effective. Learning to understand when you can reach them can help.

It's no secret that teenagers can be volatile. At those times, trying to communicate with them may not be effective. Learning to understand when you can reach them can help.

Creativity
Keeping Your Kids' Creativity Alive

David Schwartz LMFT on April 25, 2023

A child's creativity is a wonderful, yet sometimes fragile thing. Supporting their creativity can help build confidence and self-esteem.

A child's creativity is a wonderful, yet sometimes fragile thing. Supporting their creativity can help build confidence and self-esteem.

Burnout
Burnout: High-Functioning Kids Can Still Be at Risk

David Schwartz LMFT on January 5, 2023

High-functioning children and adolescents may appear to have their lives together. Unfortunately, the pressures they put on themselves may lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout.

High-functioning children and adolescents may appear to have their lives together. Unfortunately, the pressures they put on themselves may lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout.

Anger
Kids May Turn Their Anger Inward When Criticized by Adults

David Schwartz LMFT on October 15, 2022

Children may argue with us and not appear to listen when disciplining them. This behavior may be a defense mechanism, and they might get the wrong message from our words.

Children may argue with us and not appear to listen when disciplining them. This behavior may be a defense mechanism, and they might get the wrong message from our words.

Adolescence
Why Won’t Our Teens Open Up and Really Talk With Us?

David Schwartz LMFT on August 15, 2022

Children often look for help with issues they're facing in their teen years. When they feel safe enough to share their concerns, then their parents can help them make the best possible choices.

Children often look for help with issues they're facing in their teen years. When they feel safe enough to share their concerns, then their parents can help them make the best possible choices.

Child Development
Why Hobbies May Help Kids Avoid Dangerous Situations

David Schwartz LMFT on July 15, 2022

Personal Perspective: Finding interests and hobbies that they can be passionate about gives children a focus that may help them avoid dangerous behaviors in their future.

Personal Perspective: Finding interests and hobbies that they can be passionate about gives children a focus that may help them avoid dangerous behaviors in their future.