SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton: The Pressure To Achieve Is Real

Press release from SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton:

December 2, 2021

Adolescence can be a difficult time for both parents and teenagers. Both may feel like they’re being pulled in many directions and this can cause stress, anxiety, and may even lead to some mental health concerns if left unchecked.

We’ve gathered a few helpful tips to aid in keeping your family organized and working together to achieve successful academic and athletic goals.

Watch out for signs of strain with your child during all ages when they’re involved in sports and other extracurriculars. Are they involved in too many activities? Are they struggling with their school work? While sports, school groups, and other activities may strengthen students’ self confidence and social skills, ask if they’re doing too much. If they are, it may be time to suggest they give up something.

In addition to the daily stressors of high school academics and extracurricular activities, students are expected to prepare and take their ACT or SAT exams. They’ll also begin the process of looking, visiting, and applying for colleges or trade schools. As parents, you can help your child with scheduling and time management by checking in often. Communication between students, teachers, counselors and parents/guardians is vital to keep teens on the right track toward success after high school, even if that doesn’t include attending college.

As parents we need to examine and sometimes adjust our expectations for our children. Encourage, listen, and engage with your student about how they’re feeling. This is a key step toward maintaining a good balance between school, activities, and downtime. Let them know you are their number one fan and you’re proud of all their hard work!

This press release was produced by SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.