Let’s cut to the chase, this parenting thing has never been easy. The journey from crying, burping, babies to secretive teenagers teaches us that raising a child is full of new and unique challenges every single day. Although you may enjoy these challenges and the rewards that come with them, there are some days when you may find yourself overwhelmed trying to juggle work, your relationships, and raising your children.
Raising a teen that is either in recovery or suffering from behavioral health issues can add even more stress. Every parent will someday face doubts about the way they are raising their children.
Especially when you are a parent, asking for help can seem embarrassing. You want to be able to prove to your children, your partner, and your family that you can handle it all on your own. But, the truth is, everyone gets overwhelmed and needs a hand at times. You may be afraid to ask for help because you fear rejection or your pride is holding you back. However, the longer you keep yourself from asking for help, the longer you feel the negative effects of spreading yourself too thin, affecting your relationship with your teen and your ability to perform at work.
Here are some tips for how to ask for help when you have a struggling teen and the benefits of doing so.
#1. Know What You NeedÂ
Sometimes, you may just need to talk on the phone with a friend or family member so that you can vent to them about the challenges you are facing. It can feel good to get the worries off of your chest and out in the open. You may have thoughts or doubts circling in your head that you just need to get out, whether it be by writing in a journal or speaking to a trusted friend. Finding other supportive parents with similar experiences can also provide you with support, advice, and recommended resources. They may be able to give you an objective view or alternate approach that could reach your child.
Other times, you may need to seek professional advice from a licensed therapist or counselor. It can be beneficial to speak with them about your struggles and worries raising your teenager, as they can remind you to take time to also care for yourself. It will reduce stress and allow you to be more level-headed when addressing conflict with your child.
Knowing what you need help with will save time and prevent misunderstandings when you reach out. You can identify this by pinpointing the main thing causing you stress in your day-to-day life.
#2. Know When You Need It
Knowing when you need help can be a difficult question to navigate. Even in work and our personal lives, we always want to believe we can get through anything without anyone’s help. That attitude is magnified when children are brought into the picture because we want to be strong and tough role models for our children. Sometimes, however, the strong thing to do is to ask for help.
So, when is the right time? If you are asking yourself if you need help juggling life while trying to raise and discipline your struggling teen, it’s probably time to reach out. If you’re having trouble thinking of who to talk to, go to someone you trust and someone you can be open with, and you two can figure out the best course of action from there. If you already know your limits, knowing when or if you will need help will come even easier. This is where journaling and professional help can assist in identifying areas in you and your child’s relationship that you consistently struggle with.
#3. Know That It Needs to Be Modeled
It is not only useful to be willing to ask for help while navigating adolescence with your teen, it’s necessary. If you want your teen to reach out to you when they need help, you should model that behavior. Showing them that it is noble to admit when you are feeling overwhelmed and could use a hand will allow them to reach out when they most need it. Your teen may look up to sports stars, musicians, or actors, but overall, you’re their biggest role model. What they see you do, they will think is acceptable as well. If you reach out to a loved one or receive help from a medical professional, they will not be as scared to navigate this area of their lives as well. They will not view asking for help as a sign of weakness if you show them that there is nothing to be ashamed of, which will ensure them a higher quality of life in adulthood.
Asking for help in your personal or work life can be hard. When children are brought into the mix, it can become even harder because you want to prove to your kids that you are strong enough to handle anything. Forgetting your pride and knowing your limits will be a big step to take before reaching out to a loved one for support. Doing this will show your child that receiving help is not something to be ashamed of or embarrassed about, and they will be more comfortable coming to you when they are struggling or overwhelmed. Fire Mountain Residential Treatment Center works closely with children and their parents to repair their relationship and provide guidance toward a more productive future. By utilizing many different forms of therapy and activities, we are dedicated to instilling confidence in your child so they will transition into adulthood seamlessly. Call us today to explore our treatment options at (303) 443-3343.
