November 10, 2023

Episode 290: Adolescent Mental Health: Expert Tips for Parents

36 minutes

Dr. Offner brings more than two decades of experience in mental health, K-12, and higher education to her work with individuals, families, and institutions. She publishes and presents on wellness/emotional health and student affairs policy in independent schools at regional and national conferences as well as on campus.

Currently, Dr. Offner is Consulting Psychologist at Beacon Academy in Boston, a 14-month program between eighth and ninth grade that prepares students from low-income families for entry into independent day and boarding high schools. She also provides ongoing professional consultation to several independent middle and secondary schools in and around Boston.

Dr. Offner maintains an independent clinical and consulting practice in her home in Newton Centre, where she specializes in the treatment of adolescents and young adults.

Listen to this episode of Whinypaluza, with Dr. Deborah Offner about the present state of adolescent mental health and what parents need to know

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

There is a current adolescent mental health crisis that is not purely related to the pandemic. Anxiety and depression in kids have gone up.

The 24-hour news cycle impacts the mental health of adolescents.

Schools have a shortage of counselors on hand to meet this increased demand, especially in rural areas.

How to recognize red flags on social media interaction in kids, and what you can do to coach your kids in the best way to handle it.

The importance of managing your own mental health and stress, so your kids don’t have to take on extra stress in their lives or feel burdened by it.

Keeping the line of communication open with your child. Trying to reserve judgment and be a listener and offer support.

Independence in kids is very important, however, they reach it at different ages.

What is Emerging Adulthood and how is it different than Young Adulthood?

How do you know when to let your child fail, and when to step in to help? Finding the right balance is key, but not easy.

How best to handle the phase of adolescence where they think they know everything. How has this changed in the era of social media and the 24-hour news cycle?

Allowing your child to experiment with their level of confidence as they form their own opinions.

How can parents use empathy to better work hand in hand with their children’s teachers, and vice versa?

Teachers can be served well to know that parents can feel very vulnerable and worried about how their child is developing.

Parents can be served well to know how many hours teachers commit to their profession throughout the year, as well as their level of expertise and impact on their children.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals for help if you feel you or your child is struggling. Even if it seems relatively unimportant. It can be beneficial to have a conversation.

Connect with Dr. Offner:

Website https://www.deborahoffnerphd.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/deboffnerphd/

Twitter https://twitter.com/deboffnerphd

LinkedIn https://www.google.com/search?q=deborah+offner&oq=deborah+offner&aqs=chrome.0.0i355i512j46i512l2j0i512j46i175i199i512j69i60j69i61j69i60.1871j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

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By Rebecca Greene

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