48 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com JULY | AUGUST 2019 High school can be both an exciting and stressful time as students prepare for the adult world while still being considered kids in many settings. They are challenged with the task of making what feels like make-or-break, life-altering decisions. What type of person do I want to be? What career do I want to have? How am I supposed to act around someone I want to date? Add to that a full schedule of extracurricular activities, a part-time job, school assignments, and friendships, and you can quickly see why the transition to high school can be overwhelming for many students. RED FLAGS Warning signs for stress in teens can vary widely depending on a teen’s personality. Some students when stressed will become withdrawn, while others will pour themselves into their tasks with little room for fun or rest. Watch for sudden changes in eating and sleeping habits, friend groups, or in their attitude. Like adults, when adolescents are stressed, they can become combative or sink into negativity. Grades can also suffer as teens struggle to concentrate while their brain is in survival mode. In the absence of a one-size-fits-all description of stress overload, you have to rely on your knowledge of your kids. As much as possible, maintain an open line of communication, let them know that failure and stress are a normal part of life, and regularly check in even when the standard response is “I’m fine.” TIPS • Remain consistent with family time. This can be incredibly difficult, especially if there is more than one teen in the home. However, consistent time with family gives teens a sense of safety and belonging, which can be an anchor in the unpredictable world of teen friendships. • Offer your support. Your teens need to know that they have a stable, supportive foundation that they are launching from. Let them know that you believe in them and are there if they need you. Resist the urge to immediately try to fix the situation or criticize (even if you’re panicking on the inside!). • Encourage them to establish healthy eating and sleeping routines. Sleep and a healthy diet are essential for dealing with stress. Teens are notoriously lacking in both! • Teach your teen to unplug from technology. Talk about the positives and negatives of technology and work together to establish healthy boundaries. Then model it in your own life. ADVICE FOR High School Students AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, MAINTAIN AN OPEN LINE OF COMMUNICATION, LET THEM KNOW THAT FAILURE AND STRESS ARE A NORMAL PART OF LIFE, AND REGULARLY CHECK IN EVEN WHEN THE STANDARD RESPONSE IS “I’M FINE.”