Help your teen cope with stress and peer pressure (part ii)

High school has notoriously been a time of stress and peer pressure for teenagers. Drugs and alcohol are ever present and the desire for teens to abuse substances as an escape mounts as the pressures pile on. In Part II of this series on stress, TheAntiDrug.com tackles specific pressures facing high school juniors and seniors, and ways parents can
help: More on teen pressures: http://www.theantidrug.com/advice/pressures-on-teens.asp

Juniors: When teens enter the eleventh grade they are in full stride. They have, for the most part, established themselves in social groups and have much more confidence. However, this is also an incredibly stressful time for your teen: SATs, college recruiters, dating pressures, deciding whether to even go to college, athletic scouting, advanced classes and so on. This may be the first time your teen has thought about her future, and it can be scary. Guidance is critical. More on teen pressures: http://www.theantidrug.com/advice/pressures-on-teens.asp

As a parent:

Share your own experiences, but realize that the intensity level of common pressures is significantly higher than 20 years ago and competition for college and careers is at an all-time high;

Listen to your teen, including his tone; encourage him to share his day with you;

Tell your teen regularly, how much you love her and are proud of her as a person, rather than focusing on accomplishments. Depth of character sometimes comes through failure. But don't neglect to praise for a job well-done;

Suggest that your teen cut something out of his schedule, so that he can be more focused and successful in a couple of areas, rather than so-so in many areas;

Keep things in perspective yourself, so you can help your teen keep things in perspective.

Listen: http://www.theantidrug.com/advice/advice_learn_listen.asp
Show love: http://www.theantidrug.com/advice/advice_show_love.asp

Seniors: Senioritis. A term commonly used by seniors to convey restlessness and a lack of motivation during their final months in high school. First semester requires continued focus on college applications and follow-through, as well as performance in school and sports. Pressures wind down as your teen's future becomes more solidified during the second semester. However a different kind of anxiousness may set in. Teens begin to realize that they have responsibilities and there are greater expectations to "act like an adult." They are also saying good-bye to childhood friends as they prepare to go their separate ways. More on teen stress: http://www.theantidrug.com/advice/pressures-on-teens.asp

As a parent:

Be honest with your teen; share your own lessons learned or a time when you were punished for using poor judgment;

Just because your teen is a senior doesn't mean she rules the roost; be sure to let your teen knows that you are still in charge and enforce established rules;

Help keep your teen motivated. Senior year is no time to slack off.

Continue to discuss your expectations-no drugs, no alcohol. There will be obvious opportunities for your teen to partake in these activities (grad night, senior ball, end-of-year parties), so clearly state consequences for breaking rules.

Lead by example. Talk to your teen about what you do to relieve stress and pressure in your daily life. Realize your teen is watching your behavior, so be a good role model.

Being a good example for your teen: http://www.theantidrug.com/advice/advice_good_role_model.asp
Be honest: http://www.theantidrug.com/advice/advice_be_honest.asp

Balance is critical during the last two years of your teen's high school education. As a parent, encourage your teen to work hard and accomplish the goals he sets for himself, but learn the signs of when he's had too much. Parents play an essential role in their teen's health and happiness. Learn more about your teen and stress by visiting "What Parent's Can Do." More on teen pressures: http://www.theantidrug.com/advice/pressures-on-teens.asp