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'Please listen to me. I am not okay.'
How often do we see teens tell their parents that something is bothering them and they need help?
Rarely. What you often see, instead, is them showing disrespect and a general lack of interest in routine activities as they gradually disconnect themselves from the people they love.
These are some tell-tale signs that your child may need help and intervention.
According to Anu Krishna, mental health expert and NLP (neuro linguistic programming) trainer, "Being a teenager is confusing. They have all kinds of issues -- FOMO (the fear of missing out), hormonal changes, body image issues..." all of which directly and indirectly influence their choices, thoughts and mental well-being.
In such cases, the responsibility of communication rests solely on the parent, Anu insists.
In the third and concluding part of our self-help series on understanding teenagers, Anu offers advice on how parents and teens can have a healthy conversation.
Interview: Divya Nair/Rediff.com
Videos: Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com
In this video, Anu explains why it is important for parents to address the two big Cs (communication and conversation) in order to create a safe and healthy environment for children at home.
"Understand. Observe. Hear a lot. And converse," she advises parents.
Teens too need to understand that their parents and elders always have their best interests at heart.
Anu explains how teens can improve their relationship with parents. Watch!
While there is no right way to parent, Anu feels that instructional parenting may not necessarily work in modern times.
"Don't raise your children the way you were raised," she smiles.
Sharing examples from her own personal and professional life, Anu explains how parents can raise children with love, trust and faith so they can confide in you during their toughest times.
Do listen to her advice for parents and teens in the video below:
Dear readers, if you have a question for Anu Krishna, please e-mail it to getahead@rediff.co.in (Subject: Ask ANU) for her advice. Kindly mention and your request for privacy will be considered.
Disclaimer: All content and media herein is written and published online for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It should not be relied on as your only source for advice.
Please always seek the guidance of your doctor or a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Do not ever disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read herein.
If you believe you may have a medical or mental health emergency, please call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital, or call emergency services or emergency helplines immediately. If you choose to rely on any information provided herein, you do so solely at your own risk.
Opinions expressed herein cannot necessarily provide advice to fit the exact specifics of the issues of the person requesting advice.
Disclaimer: All content and media herein is written and published online for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It should not be relied on as your only source for advice.
Please always seek the guidance of your doctor or a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Do not ever disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read herein.
If you believe you may have a medical or mental health emergency, please call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital, or call emergency services or emergency helplines immediately. If you choose to rely on any information provided herein, you do so solely at your own risk.
Opinions expressed herein cannot necessarily provide advice to fit the exact specifics of the issues of the person requesting advice.