Why staying connected with your teenager IS TRICKY BUT IMPORTANT

Do not let your idea of adolescent independence stop you from engaging with the young people in your life. They value staying connected with family, even if they do not always show it

Parenting teenagers can feel daunting. With high rates of youth mental health diagnoses and persistent messages about adolescents' desire for independence, parents and carers are searching for ways to support their kids and maintain a relationship P with them.

Family connectedness the sense of belonging and closeness that can be present in families of all shapes and can protect young people's well-being and mental sizes health.

Feeling connected to family can provide a stable foundation for positive development and building a sense of self. Family connection helps young people feel secure and supported at home as they cope with the changes of adolescence and explore the world and relationships beyond home.

But it's not always easy to foster when the teenager in your life says they want you to leave them alone. Here are some ideas to try.

PUSHING AWAY BUT WANTING CONNECTION

Our previous research involved interviews with young people, who told us that although their words and actions sometimes push parents away, they need and value time with family much more than we might realise.

Similar research suggests young people want family involvement, despite sometimes sending mixed messages.

In 2020, 80% percent of 15-19-year-olds surveyed rated family relationships as very or extremely important.

Here's what young people told us they wanted parents to do.

1. BE PRESENT IN THEIR LIVES