Partnering with Teens to Find Calm in a World That Never Seems to Slow Down

If you've ever looked at your teenager and thought, "Something feels different," you're spot on.

The world we live in constantly demands our teens attention, this is the way they are growing up. Besides trying to figure out who they are and what they want to do in life, they're dealing with school, social media, friendships, sports, family responsibilities, and it may feel like the weight of the world is on their shoulders.

At times it is difficult for teens to find the words to explain what they're feeling.

They just know they are becoming overwhelmed.

Being a parent or guardian, our first instinct is to fix the problem. We desire to make everything better for them. However, I've learned that one of the greatest gifts we can give our teens is not a solution, rather our presence.

At times they just want to know we are there for them.

Without judgement.

Without lectures.

Just showing up for them as a safe space where they return to their breath.

When we stay calm, we're reflecting what calm looks like. During life's chaotic moments, our presence helps create a sense of safety.

One simple practice that helps is teaching teens how to pause and slow their breathing.

When we slow our breath, we're send messages to our brain and body that says, "I'm safe."

It isn't complicated.

Invite your teen to share breathing moments with you. Slowly breathe through the nose for four seconds, hold for 6 and then breathe out gently for 7 seconds. repeating this practice a few times together.

You can do this with eyes open or closed whichever provides a sense of saftey.

This is a great technique to use quietly at school before a test or after a stressful conversation.

The goal isn't perfection.

The goal bringing them to a safe space.

It provides them with a tool to use when life feels like it's moving too fast.

But calming the body is only part of the picture.

Our teens also need to know they're understood.

They need to know they're valued and have a voice.

The future of our world is our teens.