Teens and the
pressure of school

For many teens, school isn't just about grades, but about the fear of not being "enough". As a parent, you can be a support or, without meaning to, one more pressure.

Listen, don't add

When they come home stressed, a teen first needs to be heard, not to hear "you should have studied more". An "I can see you're overwhelmed, tell me about it" opens far more than a lecture.

Separate the grade from their worth

A teen who believes they're loved only when they get good grades lives in constant fear. Show them clearly that their worth isn't measured in grades and that you love them either way.

Children don't need perfect parents. They need parents who see them.

Watch for the signs

Insomnia, irritability, withdrawal, stomachaches before school — these can be signs of anxiety. If they persist, a talk with a specialist can help them breathe again.