Life Kit: Parenting A better way to support your teens as they go back to school
Aug 19, 2025
Lisa Damour, a teen psychologist and author, discusses the emotional challenges teens face as they head back to school, including perfectionism and social media pressures. She offers valuable insights on fostering communication between parents and teens, emphasizing the importance of listening and understanding their needs. Damour shares practical tips for tackling tough conversations and creating a supportive environment that helps teens navigate their emotions and build resilience during this crucial time.
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Let Teens Open The Conversation
- Wait for your teen to bring up tough topics, then ask open questions like, 'How are things feeling for you at school?'
- If they don't, schedule a time and ask permission to talk so they can prepare mentally.
Embrace The Eye Roll
- Accept eye rolls and grumbling when you give practical guidance like packing a backpack.
- Prioritize compliance over tone and maintain patience as your teen seeks independence.
Reframe Perfectionism As Learning
- Help perfectionist teens reframe mistakes as inevitable and separate errors from self-worth.
- Encourage them to recognize flaws while maintaining positive self-regard.