Helping Youth with Emotional Problems: Info for Parents

Kids and teenagers who are dealing with emotional problems often have a hard time at home and at school. If you're a parent of a child with emotional problems, use the following tips to reconnect and communicate with him or her.

Find available tutors

How to Help Youth with Emotional Problems

Openly Communicate

For kids and teenagers who have emotional problems, a lack of communication is usually a part of the problem. These troubled youth often have a lot on their minds that they need to discuss with someone. When this emotional outlet is missing, they tend to act out in negative ways because of the frustration, anger and isolation they feel on a daily basis. Therefore, it's important that your child knows he or she can communicate openly with you. Let your child or teenager know you are available to listen to any problem or concern, and that you care.

Discover the Source of the Problem

With open communication established, try to find the main reason that has caused the emotional challenges your child is facing. Often, there is a specific issue that is at the root of the problem or problems. Ask questions to discover and discuss what is bothering your child. However, keep in mind that your child may not be able to readily identify what has caused him to act out. On the other hand, your child may know exactly what the issue is, but it may take some time for her to become comfortable enough to divulge that information.

Be Involved in Your Child's Life

When trying to help your son or daughter deal with an emotional problem, it's also important to be aware of how involved you are in your child's life. In general, youth need trusted and caring adults to have active roles in their lives. This is especially true for those who are struggling with emotional baggage. Life happens and can often get in the way, but the more you can be physically and emotionally involved, the greater opportunity you have to help your child.

Get Professional Help

When all else fails, it may be necessary to obtain the help of a professional therapist or counselor. Sometimes, certain problems are beyond the scope of a parent's abilities to help, even if the parent works at it on a consistent basis. You can try to work with school counselors at first. However, if that still doesn't help your child, you may need to arrange private sessions with a licensed professional.

Did you find this useful? If so, please let others know!

Other Articles You May Be Interested In

  • More Blog Articles
    Common Behavioral Problems in Children

    Children experience behavior problems both in and out of the classroom. Read on to learn about these behavioral problems and what you can do as a parent.

  • More Blog Articles
    Creating Your Own Math Problems and Worksheets

    Supplementing your child's math lessons with a few problems and worksheets of your own will help you become better acquainted with his or her curriculum, and will help your child perform better in the classroom. Here are some tips for creating them.

We Found 7 Tutors You Might Be Interested In

Huntington Learning

  • What Huntington Learning offers:
  • Online and in-center tutoring
  • One on one tutoring
  • Every Huntington tutor is certified and trained extensively on the most effective teaching methods
In-Center and Online

K12

  • What K12 offers:
  • Online tutoring
  • Has a strong and effective partnership with public and private schools
  • AdvancED-accredited corporation meeting the highest standards of educational management
Online Only

Kaplan Kids

  • What Kaplan Kids offers:
  • Online tutoring
  • Customized learning plans
  • Real-Time Progress Reports track your child's progress
Online Only

Kumon

  • What Kumon offers:
  • In-center tutoring
  • Individualized programs for your child
  • Helps your child develop the skills and study habits needed to improve their academic performance
In-Center and Online

Sylvan Learning

  • What Sylvan Learning offers:
  • Online and in-center tutoring
  • Sylvan tutors are certified teachers who provide personalized instruction
  • Regular assessment and progress reports
In-Home, In-Center and Online

Tutor Doctor

  • What Tutor Doctor offers:
  • In-Home tutoring
  • One on one attention by the tutor
  • Develops personlized programs by working with your child's existing homework
In-Home Only

TutorVista

  • What TutorVista offers:
  • Online tutoring
  • Student works one-on-one with a professional tutor
  • Using the virtual whiteboard workspace to share problems, solutions and explanations
Online Only

Our Commitment to You

  • Free Help from Teachers

  • Free Learning Materials

  • Helping Disadvantaged Youth