If you’re the parent of a teen who’s struggling, you’re not alone. Teens are struggling with feeling anxious, and it can be incredibly overwhelming for both the teen and their family.
You may find yourself wondering how to help your anxious teen without making things worse or feeling like you’re walking on eggshells.
I’m a psychologist for youth, and in this blog post, we’ll explore together how to recognize concerning signs, how to respond supportively, and how you can begin to build a toolkit of strategies to support your teen through tough moments.
I’ll also share a free resource to help you go even deeper.
Signs To Look For
When a kid is struggling, the signs can look different than what we’d see in an adult. Some common signs include:
- Avoiding school or social situations
- Excessive worry or perfectionism
- Physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches
- Irritability or restlessness
- Angry outbursts
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
While it’s normal for teens to feel anxious occasionally, when it’s persistent or intense, that’s when we worry that it’s interfering with their daily life.
How Parents Can Help Their Anxious Teen
Helping your anxious teen starts with connection. Teens need to feel heard and understood, even when their fears seem irrational. Here are some ways to offer support:
1. Listen Without Judgment
Create a safe space where your teen can talk openly. Instead of jumping in with solutions, try reflecting back what you hear: “It sounds like you’re really nervous about that test. That makes sense.”
2. Normalize Anxiety
Let your teen know that their concerns are a common and manageable experience. Remind them that they’re not alone and that it doesn’t mean something is wrong with them–they’re not broken.
3. Teach Coping Skills
Simple tools like deep breathing, grounding techniques, or journaling can help teens feel more in control. You don’t need to have all the answers, but modeling calmness and curiosity can go a long way.
4. Set Boundaries and Routines
Teens thrive with structure. A predictable routine and clear expectations can help reduce overwhelm by making the day feel more manageable.
5. Get Educated and Seek Support
Understanding your kid’s experience is a journey. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to help.
That’s why, as a psychologist for youth, I’ve created a free training for parents who want to support their anxious teen.
Free Training: Learn How to Help Your Anxious Teen
If you’re ready to feel more confident supporting your teen, I invite you to watch my free training:
In this training, you’ll learn:
- How happiness can actually be a harmful goal for your kid (and what to do instead so they can have a successful, fulfilling adulthood)
- The psychological superpower that prevents anxiety meltdowns and helps youth do hard things
- The little-known tool that can help your kid live a normal life (regardless of whether they ever find a root cause of their anxiety)
Click here to watch the free training now and take the first step toward helping your teen feel more calm, capable, and connected.
Helping your anxious teen doesn’t mean fixing everything for them. It means walking beside them, guiding them, and giving them the tools to cope.
With the right support, your teen can learn to navigate challenges and grow into a resilient adult.
You’ve got this. And I’ve got your back.
Dr. Parke is a licensed psychologist who has been serving students since 2005. She completed her internship and fellowship training at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. She has spent thousands of hours directly serving students as their therapist, including in her private practice. She also has ten years of teaching experience as a university psychology professor.