Dallas County Living Well Magazine November/December 2018 | Page 29

can be overwhelming in a teenager and their actions may depict a conflict which they are not even fully aware of. Giv- ing them a safe place to vent, process freely and express their thoughts, feelings, and opinions can help them make healthy decisions and increase confidence in the person they want to become. The following are a few suggestions to help them through these difficult years: • • • • • • • • Be as good a role model for them as you possibly can (today’s young people like “real” and they are disillusioned with just words and not action) Let them know you believe in them, increasing their confidence Give them room to grow, which may include failing at a few things Teach them accountability for their own actions Try not to rescue them from every horrible situation (sometimes our worst mistakes are the ones we learn from the most) Make time for them (so important in today’s culture of electron- ics) Communicate by being a good listener and teach them the skill of healthy communication by demonstration Love them unconditionally (remember you only have them a short time and they are learning…what you see is not necessar- ily exactly what they will grow up to be…this is a developmental stage full of internal conflict…something to remember!) I hope you have found this article helpful and encouraging. If you have a teen who seems to display depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, or other issues, finding a good thera- pist, mentor, etc., will be one of the best things you could do for them. JENNIEJAMESPHOTOGRAPHY.COM Georgia Smith-Lyle, LPC-S is in private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas providing counseling for children, adolescents, adults, marriage, and family. She has authored two books and is a public speaker. Georgia may be reached at 469-855-0256 or via email [email protected]. counselingbygeorgia.com. DALLAS COUNTY Living Well Magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 27