Chapter 7: For The Parents Only!
Moms and Dads,
You probably can't believe you little baby is already in high school! Boy does time fly! Here are some things that we think you should know about the high school years.
Good Luck and you can do it!
You probably can't believe you little baby is already in high school! Boy does time fly! Here are some things that we think you should know about the high school years.
- Being a teenager is a hard time in your child's life. They are being given more and more responsibilities and while they need your support, they will also need you to step back to help them learn to be self-reliant.
- Acknowledge their success in staying safe. Imagine going through your day where anytime you touched something blue, you stopped breathing. For food allergic people, the color blue is their allergen(s) and navigating life with food allergies can be like a mine field. Knowing that, pride them when you can tell they worked extra hard to stay safe, and understand why sometimes they may want to retreat to the safety of their room after a long day instead of sit and talk with you.
- Get them help if they need it. Being a food allergic teen can be difficult and stressful. In a time where it is cool to fit in and uncool to stick out, having food allergies aren't exactly cool. If you notice your teen seems irritable or withdrawn or is taking risky behaviors in an effort to alleviate stress related to dealing with food allergies, help them seek the help of a counselor or a mental health professional. Remind them that none of their friends has to know if they are seeing a therapist and that plenty of teens seek the help of a therapist or counselor for one reason or another--and because they do doesn't make them any less strong or any less normal.
- Teach them to take control of their own condition. Outline what aspects of their health you expect your teen to take control of, for example, carrying their medication, talking to wait staff, talking to doctors. As they begin to take more and more control, begin to allow them more freedom as a way to show that you trust them.
- Give them love. A lot of times, teenagers don't get enough love. Even a 17 year old wants to hear them tell you that you love them even if they won't admit it. Giving them love helps you keep your lines open for communication so they know they can come and talk to you about anything.
Good Luck and you can do it!