As youth begin to emerge into adulthood and become more independent, parents and other caregivers may face new challenges. The following resources provide tools and tips for parents and caregivers to better communicate and understand the developmental needs of their teenagers.
Fostering Older Youth (PDF - 420 KB)
Foster Care and Adoption Resource Center, Coalition for Children, Youth, and Families & Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (2013)
Discusses the advantages of fostering older children. The resource includes reasons to care for foster teens, as well as strategies for parenting foster teens and skills that can be helpful in fostering this population.
How to Communicate With and Listen to Your Teen
American Academy of Pediatrics
Provides tips on how parents and caregivers can communicate effectively and in a healthy manner with adolescents. Also available in Spanish.
A Parent's Guide to Surviving the Teen Years
Nemours Foundation's Center for Children's Health Media, KidsHealth
Provides background information on adolescent development, as well as tips for parents and caregivers on how to educate themselves on expectations and how to communicate with their teenagers. Also available in Spanish.
Parent's Guide to Teen Depression
HelpGuide.org
Highlights the impact of depression on teens, providing tips for parents and caregivers on how to understand and speak with an adolescent experiencing depression. The companion piece, Teenager's Guide to Depression, is geared toward teens, providing awareness and tips on how to deal with depression.
Resources for Parents and Caregivers
National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Outlines the ramifications of trauma on adolescent development and provides tips and resources to equip parents.
Stages of Adolescence
Healthychildren.org
Explains the various stages of adolescence. Provides information for parents of teens on dating and sex, fitness, nutrition, and more. Also available in Spanish.
Talking with Teens: Conversation Tools
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Adolescent Health
Outlines conversation starters and tips for parents and caregivers who need assistance communicating with their adolescent.
Trauma and Adolescents (PDF - 131 KB)
Eckes & Radunovich (2015)
IFAS Extension
Explains the behavioral and emotional effects of trauma on adolescent development. This resource outlines tactics that caregivers can implement to help adolescents cope with trauma.