Speaking With Your Parents
Start with your parent or a trusted adult, such as a teacher or coach. You may or may not get along well with your parents. It may or may not be simple to communicate with them. However, you and your parents can truly support each other.
These steps may be useful:
- Before you speak, prepare. Consider what you want to say and some possible solutions to the situation. Consider how your parents may react. How are you going to reply to them?
- You can suggest a location. Find a comfy spot, whether it’s in your room, on the front steps, or when out for a walk.
- Take things slowly at first. Don’t expect everything to be solved immediately. Difficult issues may not always have simple answers. Some talks will be more successful than others.
- Continue to do so. You don’t have to have just one major talk. Have a lot of little ones. If you can, schedule some time each day to communicate, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
Asking Others for Support
Others should help you and your family. It might be difficult to ask. However, most people want to support, so don’t be afraid to ask. You can seek help from grandparents, aunts, uncles, family friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches, members of your religious community, school nurses, and guidance counselors.
People can support you by providing rides to school or sports events, assisting with schoolwork, or providing practical assistance to your family such as food shopping, meal preparation, or grass mowing. Make a list of what needs to be done with your parents. Discuss those who might be willing to assist. Keep the list close to the phone. Pull out the list when people ask what they can do.
Joining a Support Group
A support group is an excellent method to connect with people who are going through similar experiences. Some groups hold in-person meetings. Others meet over the internet. This may not seem like something you want to accomplish at first. Other teenagers had similar thoughts until they attended a support group meeting. They were frequently surprised that so many shared their feelings and offered good advice. Many support groups now meet online.
Meeting With a Counselor
Sometimes talking to your friends and parents isn’t enough. When you are going through a difficult period, it may be beneficial to speak with a counselor. Going to a counselor shows that you have the bravery to admit that you are going through a difficult moment and that you require assistance. Teens who have spoken with a counselor say it was beneficial to speak with someone outside their circle of friends and family who did not take sides and who they could trust.
You and Your Friends
Your friends mean a lot to you, and you mean a lot to them. Previously, you could tell them anything. It may appear like a lot of things are shifting right now, including your connections. It may be difficult to communicate with your buddies. But when someone in your family is ill, you truly need people with whom you can communicate.
Here are some things to consider:
- Friends may be at a loss for words. Some friends, even those who care, are at a loss for words. They could be scared of offending you. You might have to take the initial step.
- Friends may not know. It may appear like your pals are no longer interested in you. It may appear that their lives are progressing while yours are not. It might be difficult to watch them. They may find it difficult to relate since they are not in the same circumstances as you are.
- Friendships, both old and new. You might not have as much in common with some of your old pals as you once did. However, you may make new friends as a result of this encounter. Kids who used to casually pass you in the corridors may now inquire about your well-being. Be open to making new friends, maybe through a support group. Support groups can help you connect with others who are going through similar experiences as you.