Your relationship with your teen is likely going through a lot of changes. Your teen may want to skip some family activities and do more on their own. Your love, understanding, and guidance can help your teen make good decisions.
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Build trust with your teen. Respect their opinions and privacy. Really listen when they want to talk.
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Talk to your teen about healthy friendships. Get to know your teen's friends and their parents.
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Set realistic rules. Talk about what will happen if rules are broken, and follow through.
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Plan one-on-one time with your teen. Go for long walks or ride bikes, if you can. Or play games.
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Put limits on screen time. Too much time spent on smartphones or video games may affect your teen's sleep and healthy eating habits.
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Remind your teen to be careful online. Talk about what's safe and not safe to share online.
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Be open to talks about sex and relationships. Tell your teen often that "If you have questions, I'm here for you."
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Talk about gun safety. If you keep guns in your home, lock them up unloaded. Lock ammunition away from guns.
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Seek out support if you need it. You could find a counselor for you and your teen. Ask your doctor for a referral.
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Get help if your teen talks about suicide or self-harm. Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). Or text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line. Go to 988lifeline.org for more information.
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Make sure your teen gets all the recommended vaccines. Talk to your teen's doctor if you have questions.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
Where can you learn more?
Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter D594 in the search box to learn more about "Well Visit, Your Teen: Care Instructions".
Current as of: October 24, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.