Supporting Adolescents: The Essential Roles of Parents and Institutions

Some years ago, I had the opportunity to talk with a teenage boy who had been withdrawn from his pharmacy program due to poor academic performance and failed exams.

Though I wasn't initially aware of all the details surrounding his situation, his parents had reached out to me, knowing I had personal experience with academic struggles. They hoped I could connect with their son and provide some guidance.

The boy had become increasingly withdrawn, spending most of his time alone in his room. His parents noted that he barely interacted with anyone, neglected personal hygiene, and only came out to eat when no one else was around.

He spent most of his time on his phone, seemingly disconnected from the world around him. It took about two hours of conversation before we had our first breakthrough.

During our discussion, the boy shared some insights that are crucial for understanding the dynamics between teenagers and their parents. He expressed that while his parents were currently trying to persuade and encourage him, he found it difficult to listen to them.

He didn't feel connected to what they were saying because, in his view, his father had not been there for him when it mattered most, particularly during the early phases of his teenage life.

Instead, his father seemed to have a closer relationship with his younger sister, leaving him feeling neglected.

This situation shows a critical issue in many families, the lack of effective communication between parents and their children.

Fathers, in particular, might struggle to communicate with their children about important matters and establish a bond early on.

When children face stressors or challenges later, they might not feel inclined to listen to or seek support from parents who have not built a strong connection with them.

It's essential for parents to cultivate relationships with their children from a young age to support them through difficult times effectively.

The second key point from our conversation revolves around the role of educational institutions in supporting students who are struggling academically.

There was a lack of safe, effective communication channels and support systems for students who weren't performing well. When young people, striving for good grades and trying to find their career path, encounter failure, they can be highly vulnerable to stress and potentially harmful coping mechanisms, including Substance Use Disorders (SUDs).

Educational institutions often appear to be structured to support only the successful, leaving struggling students to fend for themselves.

There is a pressing need for better support systems, including accessible school counsellors, to help these students navigate their challenges and find their path without feeling abandoned or overlooked.

A Simple Guide for Parents for Building Communication

Start early and be involved in your child’s life from a young age to build trust and openness.

Create a safe space, make sure your teen feels they can share anything without fear of judgment or punishment.

Be approachable, show your teen that you are always available and ready to listen without forcing conversations.

Practice active listening, listen more than you talk, Show empathy and understand their point of view before responding.

Share your experiences, talk about your own challenges and how you overcame them to create relatability.

Respect Their Privacy, give them space and let them know you’re there when they’re ready to talk.

Avoid criticism and focus on support and understanding rather than judging their actions or decisions.

Be Consistent and regularly check in with your teen about their day and feelings to build trust.

Encourage open dialogue, normalizing talking about feelings and problems, making it okay to discuss anything.

Model good communication, and show through your own behaviour how to listen, empathize, and communicate respectfully.

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