Talking About Counseling For Children And Teens

Healthy family relationships do not always "just happen." In fact, it takes time and effort from each person in the family to build and maintain a healthy, happy family. To help you and your family have the relationships that you want, here are some things you can do.  

Take Time Out for Fun

Everyday stressors, such as work and school, can create tension in your family. The push to excel in those areas can spill over into family life and divide everyone. It is because of this, you and your family need to take time out to have fun. 

By focusing on group activities, your family can alleviate stress and develop a more positive image of being with each other. You do not to spend a lot of money to have fun. Simple things, like playing a favorite board game or hiking, can be rewarding. 

Attend Family Counseling

Rough patches can and will occur in families. Sometimes, families need help in learning how to handle those difficult moments. Depending on your family's ability to communicate with each other, it can be challenging to overcome difficulties. 

A family counselor (such as one from Andover Counseling Center) can help your family identify the source of your family's problems and develop a plan for overcoming them. It is not uncommon for pre-teens and teenagers to stop communicating with their parents as they age. A counselor can help you and your kids learn how to open up and maintain the lines of communication. 

Set and Explain Boundaries

As a parent, you know it is important to establish boundaries for your children. The boundaries are in place to help protect them from dangers they might not realize are there. Unfortunately, when you just set boundaries without explanation, your children might rebel against them. 

Just setting boundaries is never enough. You need to explain why those boundaries in place. For instance, if you have asked your child to avoid going to a local hangout, explain to him or her the reason why. By saying things, such as, "The police are frequently called there because of fights," you let your child know that your decision is not an attempt to control him or her. Your child will understand that you are more concerned with keeping him or her safe. 

There are many other ways you and your family can work towards having a healthy relationship. Work with a family counselor to identify those ways and to get help with implementing them.