How Do I Best Support my Child?

“How do I best support my child through this?”

As a therapist who works primarily with adolescents and parents, I hear this question nearly every week. 

“Am I overstepping?” 

“How do I know I’m doing the right thing?” 

“What if I’m not doing enough?” 

If you’ve ever found yourself ruminating on these questions, then let me be the first to say — you’re already doing a great job. It might not always feel that way, but not every teen is lucky enough to have a support system that cares enough to ask these difficult questions. 

There are limitless ways to support your child, but let’s be honest — it’s not always easy. (Okay, it’s rarely easy!) 

It’s normal to second-guess yourself — especially in parenting. 

“My child is struggling. What is my role in this?”

Three things that can make a big difference: 

1. Patience 

The most important (and often most difficult) piece! Sometimes it feels like teenagers are built to test their parents — and in some ways, they are. 

If you have the strength to give them patience, you’re part superhero. 

2. A listening, nonjudgmental ear 

If your child comes to you — whether for advice or just to rant about the horrible teacher who didn’t prepare them for Thursday’s test — take that as a sign of trust. 

That connection is a tribute to your parenting. Think back to your own teenage years; how often did you want to talk to your parents? 

3. Kindness and understanding

Even when it’s hard to understand the world they’re growing up in — one filled with constant comparison, technology, and pressure. 

They’re breathing, alive, healthy, and doing the best that they can. 

It’s easy to forget that when they’re twenty minutes past curfew (the one they already negotiated until midnight!). 

And you’re doing your best, too. 

You’re both doing this for the first time. You’re both learning — together. So… How do I best support my child? 

Here’s the answer no one loves to hear: there’s no single “right” way. 

But if you’ve opened this page and read this far, you’re already doing it! And don’t forget — support for your child starts with support for you, too.