Helping teenage girls through stress:

A current trend in teenage circles is claiming bragging rights over who is the most stressed, which is often translated into who received the least amount of sleep each night.

With a society that moves faster and faster with increases in technology, your daughter might be suffering from heightened levels of stress, particularly if her peer group comprises high achievers.

Clinical psychologist and educator, Dr Roni Cohen-Sandler, describes the stresses that plague teenage girls today as fear of exposure, need for autonomy, fear of repercussion, fear of raising parental anxiety, avoidance of flaws and comparison to a perceived ideal.

The need for autonomy is a typical rite of passage, but adults can help girls change their desire to hide flaws and avoid exposure of perceived weakness.

Dealing with stress as early as possible may prevent the drive to be the “most stressed out” or the student with the least amount of sleep.

It can also prevent larger issues, including increased illness, craving for stimulants, lack of physical activity and diminished academic achievement.

Helping a teenage girl develop a realistic view of herself and the world around her is key to her reducing her own stress.

Parents who openly communicate about their own stresses with work may help a teen girl realistically evaluate her perception of her school work and lower her fear of disappointing her parent.

According to Dr. Cohen-Sandler, the root of stress is often found in family expectations, cultural pressures and self-esteem issues. Open communication between parent and daughter can begin to ease some of these stresses.

If beginning communication is difficult, assistance from a professional social worker or psychologist can increase both parent and daughter’s willingness to talk.

Stress management is also assisted by education of the parent and development of the girl’s self-esteem via an understanding – by both parent and child – that perfect does not exist and the quest for the perfection is often more damaging than encouraging.

Girls who do not succumb to heightened levels of stress know from parents that enjoying themselves and finding their place in the world are more practical and sensible goals.