Is your teen drowning in stress, self-doubt, or social pressure?

Adolescence should be about growth—but too many parents watch helplessly as their teen battles anxiety, cyberbullying, or crippling academic pressure.

As a therapist who’s guided 100+ teens, here’s what I hear from a lot of parents.

“Why won’t my kid talk to me?”

Teens often feel:

• “Nobody gets me” (pressure to fit in)
• “I’m failing at everything” (academic burnout)
• “I hate how I look” (body image concerns)

The secret? Stop “fixing”—start connecting.

3 Scripts that work

1. 1. When your anxious teen says “I’m fine,” it’s tempting to reassure them with:“You’ll be okay—just focus on school!”But here’s the truth: Telling them “it’s okay” can make them feel more alone.

      Instead, try this:

      “I noticed you’ve been quieter lately. Want to talk about what’s really on your mind?”

   2. Is It a ‘Bad Day’ or Something More Serious?Everyone has off days—but if your teen is showing these signs for 2+ weeks, it may be time to dig deeper:

      -Canceling plans they used to love
      -Struggling to get out of bed or focus at school
      -Not acting themselves and sleeping 12+ hours daily

      What to do next:

      Start by saying “I’ve noticed some changes in you lately—can we talk about what’s going on?” If they’re not ready to open up, check in with their teachers or family doctor for additional support.

   3. How to Give Space Without Losing ConnectionTeens crave independence—but they also need to feel seen. Here’s how you can strike the balance:

      -Weekly Check-In: Ask, “What’s one thing I can stop doing to give you more space, and one thing I should start doing to support you better?”

      Want the full 10-minute guide to these strategies?

Here is the link to my podcast:
https://www.crosstownpsych.com/how-can-we-help-parents-and-teens-talk-about-their-feelings-and-things-that-can-be-hard-to-share/