Parenting a teen can feel a bit like navigating a stormy sea of changes; physical, emotional and social. It’s a time when teens are figuring out who they are and how they fit into the world. As amazing as it to see teens grow and mature, it can also be heartbreaking to watch them struggle with challenges that impact their mood, self-confidence and emotional well-being. You see how hard it is for teens today to navigate social media, the impact of global political, climate and health events. You often you feel helpless as a parent or caregiver not knowing what to do. The good news is your support can make all the difference in helping your teen navigate these challenging times and build a healthier emotional future. Even if you’re unsure where to start, this blog will offer powerful and practical ways to support your teen’s mental health and help them thrive emotionally.
A Growing Struggle
A recent article published by the CBC reports that more than one-third of first year university students report having a disability and mental health concerns, particularly anxiety and depression, make up more than half of all reported disabilities. According to the Canadian University Survey Consortium, Maritime universities report the highest percentage of students with disabilities in the country, and this percentage rose more sharply between 2019 and 2022 than elsewhere in the country. The prevalence of teens struggling with mental health is probably not much of a surprise to you as a parent or caregiver, after all, you live with your teen and see the challenges on a daily basis, but it might leave you wondering if there are any powerful ways you as a parent/caregiver can support your teen’s mental health and help them thrive emotionally.
The Role of Self-Control and Parental Support
Self-control is like a superpower for teens—it’s their ability to manage their emotions, thoughts, and actions to work toward long-term goals. When teens have good self-control, they’re better able to handle stress and avoid impulsive decisions that could lead to challenges. Research even backs this up! A study by Chen and colleagues (2025) found that self-control acts as a bridge between self-esteem and mental health. In other words, teens with higher self-esteem tend to develop stronger self-control, which helps lower their chances of experiencing anxiety, depression, or stress.
Most importantly, here’s where parents come in. Parental support, especially taking the time to validate their feelings, and explaining the “why” behind rules or expectations is particularly helpful. The same study found that this type of support strengthens the connection between self-esteem and self-control, making the mental health benefits even more powerful. By fostering an environment where teens feel heard and respected, parents can help their kids build resilience and thrive emotionally.
5 Powerful Ways Parents Can Support Their Teen’s Emotional Well-Being
1) Be Present & Encourage Open Communication
Open communication with teens is crucial because it builds trust, strengthens relationships, and helps them feel understood and supported. When teens feel they can talk openly with their parents, they’re more likely to share their struggles and seek guidance. This can reduce feelings of isolation, help them manage stress, and improve their emotional well-being.
Dr. Gordon Neufeld, a renowned developmental psychologist, emphasizes the vital role of open communication in building strong, secure parent-child relationships. According to Neufeld’s work, creating a safe and non-judgmental space for teens to express their thoughts and emotions strengthens the attachment bond, which is foundational for their emotional development and resilience.
When teens feel genuinely heard and understood, they’re more likely to open up about their struggles and seek guidance from their parents. Neufeld stresses that maintaining a connection with your teen through empathetic listening and validation provides them with a sense of security and belonging, which is essential for navigating the emotional ups and downs of adolescence.
To encourage open communication:
- Listen actively: Give your teen full attention and acknowledge their feelings without judgment.
- Ask open-ended questions: Encourage your teen to freely share their thoughts and experiences.
- Be empathetic: Show understanding and validate their emotions, even if you don’t completely agree with their perspective.
2) Encourage Healthy Self-Esteem
Building self-esteem is crucial for emotional well-being. Here are some ways to help your teen develop a positive self-image:
- Celebrate Strengths: Acknowledge their achievements and efforts in a genuine manner.
- Encourage Self-Compassion: Teach them to be kind to themselves and to view mistakes as opportunities for growth. Remember, self-compassion is often “caught even if it’s not being taught” so being aware of how you talk about yourself in front of your teen matters.
- Promote Realistic Expectations: Assist them in setting achievable goals and help them avoid excessive self-criticism.
3) Support the Development of Self-Control
Self-control is a skill that can be developed through practice and guidance. According to Chen et al. (2025), engaging in structured routines and activities that require concentration can enhance self-control over time. Here are some ways you can encourage your teenager to improve their self-control:
- Practice Mindfulness: Techniques like deep breathing can help them manage stress effectively. Test out the app Insight Timer (they have a free version) to see if it helps
- Set Priorities: Assist them in organizing their time and energy to focus on what is most important. (Ask your teen if they’ve ever tried the app Finch-we’ve heard from teens that it is super motivating!)
- Delay Gratification: Teach them the value of patience and the benefits of waiting for long-term rewards. A great way to do this is by modellingand actively talking about this behaviour with them.
4) Creating a Healthy and Supportive Family Environment
Creating a warm and supportive home environment can go a long way in helping your teen navigate mental health challenges and build healthy habits. Research by Chen et al. (2025) shows that when parents encourage independence and validate their teen’s feelings, it boosts resilience and emotional well-being. Want to create this kind of space at home? Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Promote Healthy Habits: Good nutrition, time to move their bodies and be physically active and adequate sleep are all very important.
- Provide Emotional Support: Acknowledge your teen’s feelings, even if you don’t fully understand or agree. Phrases like, “I can see how this is really hard for you,” help teens feel heard and valued. Here is a great podcast interview with Dr. Adele Lafrance that goes into greater detail on how to do this
- Set Clear Boundaries: Dr. Gordon Neufeld emphasizes the importance of having consistent routines that are clearly communicated so teens know what is expected, while having the ability to be flexible when needed.
5. Seek Professional Help When Needed
Even with your best efforts, some teenagers may require extra support to manage their mental health challenges. Here are signs that it’s time to seek professional help:
- Persistent Changes in Mood or Behaviour: Watch for indicators such as withdrawal from activities, increased irritability, or changes in appetite and sleep patterns.
- Difficulty Managing Daily Tasks: If they struggle to keep up with schoolwork, relationships, or responsibilities, a mental health professional can offer valuable guidance.
- Feelings of Hopelessness or Self-Harm: There are many resources for teens to get support including Kids Help Phone (for kids age 5-25) and Good 2 Talk. (specifically for college/university aged kids) If they express feelings of hopelessness or mention thoughts of self-harm, take these signs seriously and seek immediate help. Visit the IWK emergency department for kids under age 19 and QEII for teens/young adults age 20+ or contact the mobile mental health crisis team at 902-429-8167 or 1-888-429-8167 (toll-free).
Incorporating Professional Therapy Strategies
Emotion-Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) is a powerful approach that strengthens family bonds by improving communication and fostering emotional connection. This evidence-based method has proven highly effective in helping families navigate challenges like managing conflict or supporting a teen’s emotional regulation. Dr. Adam Kayfitz specializes in EFFT and has more than a decade of experience helping families navigate the teenage years effectively. By equipping families with practical tools to repair relationships and validate emotions, implementing strategies learned in EFFT can empower you as a parent/caregiver to create a more nurturing environment where teens feel supported and understood, setting the stage for emotional growth and resilience.
If you’re looking for personalized support to implement some of the suggestions mentioned above or need further guidance on how to effectively support your teen’s emotional and mental health, consider booking a session with Dr. Adam Kayfitz. His expertise in working with teens and families can help you navigate even the toughest challenges. With the right guidance, your teen can thrive emotionally and mentally—hope and growth are always within reach. Contact our clinic at 902) 800-4627 to schedule with Dr. Adam today.