Parenting a teen with mental health struggles can leave parents feeling lost, overwhelmed, and uncertain. In this 20-minute presentation, I will share practical, effective coping strategies that parents can use to support their teens while managing their own emotional well-being. Drawing on my personal experiences as a parent who has faced trauma, loss, and the complexities of reconnecting with teens, I’ll offer a real-world, compassionate approach to parenting during difficult times.

Key Themes:

Coping in the Midst of Crisis: I’ll start by sharing brief, impactful stories from my own parenting journey—losing custody, navigating mental health challenges, and learning how to rebuild my family dynamic. This sets the stage for practical advice on setting boundaries, managing guilt, and finding resilience.

Real-World Strategies for Parents: The core of the presentation will focus on equipping parents with tools to handle emotional overwhelm, communicate effectively with their teens, and practice self-care—even when everything feels out of control.

The Power of Being Present, Not Perfect: I will provide evidence and personal insights into why being emotionally available and present is far more impactful than striving for perfection as a parent.

Learning Outcomes:
- Equip parents with actionable strategies to manage stress and emotional overwhelm.
- Strengthen communication and trust with teens.
- Emphasise self-care and parental presence as key factors in supporting adolescent mental health.

This session is ideal for parents, caregivers, and professionals looking for practical insights into supporting teens with mental health challenges.