Staying connected in the teen years

This kōrero unpacks the challenges whānau and those supporting young people face and offers strategies to successfully navigate these times. Sheridan will share insights into teenage brain development and how this impacts behaviour and relationships.

Connection with our young people during the teenage years is key. Grow your understanding of a young persons inner world and their developing emotions, and learn everyday strategies to create a nurturing environment where young people can be challenged, championed and ultimately thrive. Learn about what makes young people tick and what helps them feel secure, with practical expertise on how to support teenage well-being.

This kōrero looks at anxiety and the impacts of social pressure and technology while offering parenting tips on staying connected in the teen years. Presenters share insights into teenage brain development and how this impacts behaviour and relationships. Positive, hopeful and practical, you will leave this talk feeling empowered to see beyond the behaviour to the young person who needs love, encouragement and acceptance.

Staying connected in the teen years covers the following:

• Connection during the teen years can be challenging
• Understanding your teens emotions and brain development and how this impacts behaviour and relationships helps support a deeper understanding of your teen.  
• What’s in our teens’ worlds -  their search for identity.
• Challenge of social media and how this can make them prone to anxiety. 
• Young People's growing need for autonomy requires parents to support and understand that some separation from us can be a healthy part of their development in their journey towards individuation.
• Supporting autonomy by encouraging young people to problem solve and make decisions for themselves - guiding rather than making decisions for them. 
• Litenening more and talking less, show warmth & empathy. 

Whether you are a youth worker, parent or teacher, this kōrero will share some valuable insights into how to better care for and support young people in your life.