A Parent's Survival Guide: Navigating Your Teen's Struggles
Struggling with a sense of inadequacy or disappointment
Valérie Guibbaud, Kaila Rodrigue
When My Teen is Struggling: A Guide for Parents
The Book That Dares to Address the Unspoken
The unspoken struggles of a parent with a troubled teenager can lead to feelings of isolation and embarrassment. When My Teen is Struggling, written by Valérie Guibbaud, an empathetic mother, and Kaila Rodrigue, a compassionate psychologist, sheds light on the complexities faced by families dealing with drugs, mental health issues, violence, or delinquency.
Interview with Olivia Levy, Our Website
Olivia Levy: Did you feel the need to write this book to break the taboo surrounding these parental challenges?
Valérie Guibbaud: A deep-seated shame and guilt plague parents of struggling teens. They're often afraid to discuss their troubles, as society perceives them as failures. That's what this book is about – enlightening parents and fostering empathy among people.
Are there signs parents should watch out for in their teen?
Kaila Rodrigue: Look out for persistent signs that indicate a troubled youth, such as consistent boredom, withdrawal, excessive dependency on screens or substances, and difficult or aggressive behavior.
How Important is a Quality Bond with at Least One Parent?
Kaila Rodrigue: A strong bond with at least one parent or a trusted adult figure can significantly impact a teenager's life. If the teen doesn't have a connection with their parents, an uncle, aunt, or mentor like a coach or teacher can play a crucial role in guiding them back on the right path.
Valérie Guibbaud: I may not have been close to my own parents, but my loving aunt helped me navigate through tough times when I was a struggling teenager. I strive to be that positive influence in my son's life, regardless of his choices.
Emergency Resources for Parents and Teens
Valérie Guibbaud: Upon discovering resources for those dealing with a crisis, I realized that many parents are simply uninformed. Emergency resources, such as the CAFE program, offer support for the child and family during challenging times, but waiting lists for consultations with psychologists can be long.
Setting Boundaries
Kaila Rodrigue: Effective boundary-setting requires a balance of clear communication, support, respect, and consistent consequences. As a parent, become a steady and supportive authority figure, keeping your cool during turbulent storms.
Valérie Guibbaud: Encourage open communication with your teen, fostering trust and safety. Forgive yourself, remember that you're not alone, and seek help when needed.
When My Teen is Struggling
Valérie Guibbaud, Kaila Rodrigue
Les Éditions de l'Homme
208 pages
Additional Insights:
The key to setting effective boundaries is finding a balance between clear communication, support, respect, and consistent consequences. Here are key approaches recommended by experts:
- Clearly Communicate Expectations: Set specific rules that reflect your teen's maturity, allowing for choice within limits.
- Consistently Explain Consequences: Enforce consequences calmly and clearly to reinforce learning.
- Engage Openly and Judgment-Free: Encourage open communication about feelings and allow space for privacy, fostering trust and safety.
- Respect Autonomy: Demonstrate trust in your teen by respecting their independence and offering an approachable presence.
- Show Genuine Interest: Support their interests and spend regular quality time together to build a stronger relationship.
- Balance Freedom with Accountability: Expand your teen's freedom as they show responsibility, maintaining structure through clear boundaries.
- Model Positive Behavior: Demonstrate honesty, patience, kindness, and emotional regulation for your teen to learn from your example.
In cases of mental health issues, drug abuse, violence, or delinquency, combine these boundary-setting approaches with professional support, safety planning, and compassionate but consistent enforcement. Provide a balanced approach tailored to your teen’s developmental needs and challenges to maintain authority while nurturing trust and promoting healing [1][4][5].
- Valérie Guibbaud, an empathetic mother, and Kaila Rodrigue, a compassionate psychologist, wrote 'When My Teen is Struggling' to enlighten parents on the complexities of family health and mental health concerns.
- The book, full of testimonials, provides guidance for parents navigating their teen's struggles with drugs, mental health issues, violence, or delinquency, addressing a taboo subject.
- Valérie Guibbaud and Kaila Rodrigue emphasize the importance of a quality bond with at least one parent or a trusted adult figure, citing its significant impact on a teenager's life.
- Emergency resources like the CAFE program offer crucial support for those experiencing a crisis, but waiting lists for consultations with psychologists can be lengthy.
- Proper parenting, coupled with science-backed strategies such as clear communication, support, respect, and consistent consequences, can help parents set effective boundaries and foster positive mental health and family health.
