Life Kit A better way to support your teens as they go back to school
53 snips
Aug 19, 2025 
Psychologist Lisa Damour, an expert on teenagers, teams up with reporter Andy Tegel to tackle the emotional struggles teens face as they head back to school. They discuss the rise of perfectionism and anxiety among adolescents, offering parents strategies to nurture open dialogue. The importance of balancing support with teens' need for independence is emphasized, along with practical tips for fostering emotional well-being amidst academic pressures. Expect insightful advice to help families navigate this pivotal time smoothly.
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First-Day Fashion Jitters
- Marielle describes feeling self-conscious on her first day of middle school when her outfit didn’t match peers.
- That small story illustrates how acute social comparison feels at school transitions.
Old Challenges, New Pressures
- Lisa DeMoor distinguishes timeless teenage struggles from modern pressures like social media and higher academic demands.
- Today's teens face both developmental change and novel worries about the future and the environment.
Let Teens Open The Conversation
- Let your teenager bring up hard topics first so they will be most receptive to discussion.
- If they don't, schedule a specific time and warn them ahead so they can prepare.
