Parent-Teen Communication | Adolescent Counseling Services

Communication Tools for Adults and Teens: IFAB’s and OFNR’s

in Emotional Intelligence / Emotional Regulation / Emotional Regulation / Parent Tips / Parent-Child Communication / Parent-Teen Communication / Parenting / Relationships by Adolescent Counseling Services November 19, 2025November 14, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Mariana Trejo, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program COMMUNICATIONcan be one of the most challenging aspects to our relationships, but one of the most crucial. During adolescence, most teens seek independence from parents or other adults in their lives, while many adults try to stay connected and provide guidance to them. Similarly, […]

Understanding Adolescent Grief

in Emotional Intelligence / Grief / Mental Health / Parent Tips / Parent-Child Communication / Parent-Teen Communication / Parenting / Play Therapy by Adolescent Counseling Services October 15, 2025October 13, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Allison Thigpen, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program GRIEF AND LOSSare universal experiences, but they can look very different in young children. While adults may express grief through words or rituals, children often process their emotions in ways that are less obvious—through behavior, play, or even silence. As parents, caregivers, or educators, […]

The Power of Co-Regulation: Supporting Your Child’s Emotional Growth

in Anger Management / Emotional Intelligence / Emotional Regulation / Emotional Regulation / Mental Health / Parent Tips / Parent-Child Communication / Parent-Teen Communication / Parenting / Stress Management / Teaching Mindfulness by Adolescent Counseling Services May 21, 2025May 19, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Mackenzie Pyke, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program PARENTING CAN OFTENfeel like a balancing act, especially when your child or teenager is experiencing big emotions. Whether they’re frustrated, sad, or angry, navigating these emotional moments can be challenging for everyone involved. One of the most effective ways to support your child through […]

How to Talk to Your Child About Suicide and Self-Harm

in Cutting / Depression / Mental Health / Parent Tips / Parent-Child Communication / Parent-Teen Communication / Parenting / Self-Harm / Suicide / Suicide Prevention by Adolescent Counseling Services March 12, 2025March 10, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Holly Fitch, Clinical Trainee at ACS, Outlet Program TALKING ABOUT SUICIDEand self-harm may be intimidating, but it is a crucial conversation to have with your child. Both suicide and self-harm are becoming increasingly common for children and adolescents. The goal of these conversations is to be open and understanding, while also taking steps […]

Simple Tips for Giving Clear Instructions

in Mental Health / Parent Tips / Parent-Child Communication / Parent-Teen Communication / Parenting / Setting Boundaries by Adolescent Counseling Services March 5, 2025March 4, 2025 0 comments

Written By: Christina Desage, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program EFFECTIVE INSTRUCTIONS are the foundation of positive communication between parents and children, fostering understanding and cooperation. When instructions are clear, concise, and delivered with a calm and respectful tone, children are more likely to grasp and act on them. This clarity not only enhances […]

Parental Control Apps: Ensuring Online Safety or Eroding Trust?

in Helicopter Parenting / Monitoring Media / Online Monitoring / Online Privacy / Online Safety / Parent Tips / Parent-Teen Communication / Parenting / Teen Apps / Teen Privacy / Teens and Technology by Adolescent Counseling Services October 9, 2024October 8, 2024 0 comments

Written By: Noosha Nafarzadegan, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program WITH THE EVER-INCREASINGprevalence of smartphones among teens and pre-teens, parents often turn to parental control mobile applications (apps) to protect their children from online risks. These apps can block, filter, and monitor a wide range of online activities, providing parents with the tools to […]

How to Recognize a Child in Crisis and Intervene Appropriately

in Anger Management / Behavioral Norms / Mental Health / Parent Tips / Parent-Teen Communication / Parenting / Stress / Stress Management / Teen Therapy by Adolescent Counseling Services April 17, 2023April 14, 2023 0 comments

Written By: Andrew Cecil, Clinical Trainee at ACS, Adolescent Substance Addiction Treatment Program IT IS COMMONfor parents to feel concerned about their child’s well-being when they notice things like poor academic performance, substance use, and unhealthy relationships. However, few parents are as familiar with the behavioral signs of a crisis. A crisis refers to a […]

Irritated or Debilitated: Helping your Teen Identify their Depression

in Academic Stress / Anger Management / Behavioral Norms / Co-Occuring Disorders / Depression / Disorders / Mental Health / Parent Tips / Parent-Teen Communication / Parenting / Stress / Stress Management by Adolescent Counseling Services April 5, 2023April 4, 2023 0 comments

Written By: Brett Trace, Clinical Trainee at ACS, Outlet Program If You’rea parent of a teen or someone who works with teens, odds are you’ve encountered teenage irritability. What may have felt like an easygoing, straightforward comment might cause your teen to become angry or withdraw from the conversation. Friends that they’ve had for a […]

Supporting Teens on Social Media

in Cultural Stressors / Facebook / Mental Health / Middle School Behavior / Monitoring Media / Online Monitoring / Online Privacy / Online Safety / Parent Tips / Parent-Teen Communication / Parenting / Self care / Social Media Abuse / Stress / Teen Apps / Teen Peer Groups / Teen Privacy / Teens and Technology / Twitter by Adolescent Counseling Services September 28, 2022September 22, 2022 0 comments

Written By: Michael Burks, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program TECHNOLOGYand social media play complex roles in the lives of teenagers. Teens are at a developmental stage where social relationships have foremost importance in their lives. Social relationships and group memberships contribute to identity formation and self-esteem. Social media has tremendous value to teens. […]

Teen Pregnancy

in Dating / Discussing Sex / Parent Tips / Parent-Teen Communication / Parenting / Relationships / Romance by Adolescent Counseling Services March 9, 2022March 4, 2022 0 comments

Written By: Ruby Ortiz, Clinical Trainee at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program ONE OF THE MOSTtransformative experiences that anyone can encounter in their lifetime is going through a pregnancy. Individuals go through a significant amount of physical, emotional, and psychological changes during this period in their life. It doesn’t only include the body changing throughout each […]