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Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
Saint Ignatius College Geelong
As we approach the end of Term 2 it can be a particularly challenging time for students and families with increased academic stress, shorter daylight hours, illness and signs of burnout.
Helping Teens Through Tough Times: How to Support Without “Fixing”
It’s one of the hardest things about parenting teens: watching your child struggle and feeling unsure how to help. Whether it’s social isolation, academic pressure, or just the emotional weight of adolescence, many teens go through periods where they feel stuck or overwhelmed.
As parents, our instinct is often to step in and fix the problem. But what teens often need most is something different: our presence, not our solutions.
Here are four ways you can support your teen through tough times:
1. Hold Space Without Judgment
Sometimes the best support you can offer is simply being there. Holding space means allowing your teen to express their feelings without rushing to solve or minimize the issue. Sit with them, listen without interrupting, and resist the urge to immediately cheer them up or offer advice.
A simple, “That sounds really hard,” can go a long way in helping your teen feel heard.
2. Validate Their Emotions
Teenagers experience emotions intensely. Telling them “it’s not a big deal” or “you’ll get over it” may be well-meaning, but it can feel dismissive. Instead, acknowledge their feelings as real and valid.
Try phrases like:
“It makes sense you’d feel that way.”
“Anyone in your shoes would be upset too.”
“I’m here with you.”
This kind of validation doesn’t make the problem worse — it helps your teen feel less alone in it.
3. Normalise the Experience
Adolescence is a time of rapid change, and feelings of loneliness, confusion, and frustration are common. Without diminishing what your teen is going through, you can gently reassure them that these struggles are a normal part of growing up — and that many of their peers are likely feeling similar things.
You might say: “A lot of people your age go through something like this at some point. You’re not alone, even if it feels like it.”
4. Offer Hope, Not Pressure
Your teen doesn’t need a pep talk or a grand plan — they need to know you believe in them and their ability to navigate difficult moments. Offer hope in small, quiet ways.
Let them know: “Things can change — even if they don’t feel like it right now,” or “I’ve seen you get through tough things before, and I know you’re strong.”
And remember: sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is keep showing up with love, patience, and belief in your child’s resilience.
Adolescence isn’t easy — for kids or parents. But your calm presence, your willingness to listen, and your quiet faith in your teen can be exactly what they need to find their way forward.
As always, there is help available. Contact wellbeing@ignatius.vic.edu.au for support and referrals to services.
Feature
Events
Our News // 19 June 2025
As we approach the end of Term 2 it can be a particularly challenging time for students and families with increased academic stress, shorter daylight hours, illness and signs of burnout.
Helping Teens Through Tough Times: How to Support Without “Fixing”
It’s one of the hardest things about parenting teens: watching your child struggle and feeling unsure how to help. Whether it’s social isolation, academic pressure, or just the emotional weight of adolescence, many teens go through periods where they feel stuck or overwhelmed.
As parents, our instinct is often to step in and fix the problem. But what teens often need most is something different: our presence, not our solutions.
Here are four ways you can support your teen through tough times:
1. Hold Space Without Judgment
Sometimes the best support you can offer is simply being there. Holding space means allowing your teen to express their feelings without rushing to solve or minimize the issue. Sit with them, listen without interrupting, and resist the urge to immediately cheer them up or offer advice.
A simple, “That sounds really hard,” can go a long way in helping your teen feel heard.
2. Validate Their Emotions
Teenagers experience emotions intensely. Telling them “it’s not a big deal” or “you’ll get over it” may be well-meaning, but it can feel dismissive. Instead, acknowledge their feelings as real and valid.
Try phrases like:
“It makes sense you’d feel that way.”
“Anyone in your shoes would be upset too.”
“I’m here with you.”
This kind of validation doesn’t make the problem worse — it helps your teen feel less alone in it.
3. Normalise the Experience
Adolescence is a time of rapid change, and feelings of loneliness, confusion, and frustration are common. Without diminishing what your teen is going through, you can gently reassure them that these struggles are a normal part of growing up — and that many of their peers are likely feeling similar things.
You might say: “A lot of people your age go through something like this at some point. You’re not alone, even if it feels like it.”
4. Offer Hope, Not Pressure
Your teen doesn’t need a pep talk or a grand plan — they need to know you believe in them and their ability to navigate difficult moments. Offer hope in small, quiet ways.
Let them know: “Things can change — even if they don’t feel like it right now,” or “I’ve seen you get through tough things before, and I know you’re strong.”
And remember: sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is keep showing up with love, patience, and belief in your child’s resilience.
Adolescence isn’t easy — for kids or parents. But your calm presence, your willingness to listen, and your quiet faith in your teen can be exactly what they need to find their way forward.
As always, there is help available. Contact wellbeing@ignatius.vic.edu.au for support and referrals to services.
