How can I help my teenager cope with end-of-school-year stress?
The school year is drawing to a close, and for many teenagers, that means stress. Final exams, the pressure of results, decisions about the future... There are many sources of anxiety. As a parent, it's natural to want to help your teen get through this period as calmly as possible. Here are a few tips to help you manage your child's stress.
To remember
👉 Encourage your teen to express his or her feelings, and offer attentive, non-judgmental listening.
👉 Help your teen organize his or her time, explore stress management techniques (sport, relaxation, etc.) and remind him or her of the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Recognizing the signs of stress in your teen
First and foremost, it's important to recognize the signs of stress in your teen. While it's normal to feel a certain amount of pressure around exam time, for example, significant changes in behavior can indicate a high level of stress. Look out for :
Mood changes: irritability, sadness, increased anxiety.
Sleep disturbances: difficulty falling asleep, frequent night-time awakenings.
Lack of energy: persistent fatigue, loss of interest in usual activities.
Concentration difficulties: memory problems, drop in school results.
Changes in appetite: sudden weight gain or loss.
Any other physical symptoms: headaches, stomach aches, muscle tension, etc.
Open dialogue and active listening
Establish a climate of trust and encourage your teenager to express his or her feelings. Give them your undivided attention and show that you take them seriously, without minimizing their concerns.
However, your teen may not wish to confide in you, for reasons of their own. In this case, you can suggest that he or she use other resources, such as the services of Tel-jeunes.
Helping your teen to organize and plan
Help your teen to see things more clearly by helping them to organize their time and revision. Draw up a realistic, achievable schedule together, including breaks and moments for relaxation. A well-structured timetable can help your teen manage stress more effectively, so he or she can approach deadlines with greater peace of mind.
Encourage stress management techniques
There are many techniques for managing stress. For example, you can encourage your teenager to :
Engage in regular physical activity: sport releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones.
Add relaxing activities to their schedule: yoga, meditation, listening to music, or simply spending time in nature.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet: a healthy lifestyle contributes to better mental balance.
Allow themselves moments of relaxation: reading, watching a film, spending time with friends... And to not underestimate the importance of sleep!
Know how to ask for help: we give you a few tips on how to encourage them here.
If your teen's stress levels are too high and he or she can't cope on their own, don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional, who can provide personalized support and give them the tools they need to deal with their difficulties.
How does an appointment with a shrink work? What can be said? How many follow-ups are required? All your teen's (and your own!) questions are answered in this series of short videos.
If your teen needs a helping hand to understand the subject matter or to practice, he or she can turn to Alloprof's free help resources designed to make exam preparation easier.
The end of the school year is a demanding time for teenagers. As a parent, your support and understanding are essential to help them through this stressful period. By listening to them, encouraging dialogue and giving them the means to take care of themselves, you'll help them face exams and the future with greater serenity.
