How do I talk to my tweens/teens about their health without making them feel insecure?
Heather Sholl
Concierge Wellness Coach July 2021
How do I talk to my tweens/teens about their health without making them feel insecure?
Remember that you are one of the few trusted resources they have, and parents are a safer place than Snapchat and Instagram for guidance. Your kiddos are already making food, exercise and sleep choices without you every day, so don’t hesitate to jump in with some resources. There is an overwhelming amount of information for them to get lost in and they need to know what to do before they go off on their own and spend your money doing it. Whether your child needs the best information to perform on the field, the court or the console, you want to make sure they get it, before it’s too late.
Here are some of my favorite tips for parents of tweens and teens:
Approach the subject of health, not looks. Showing concern about their looks which is a sign of readiness to approach the subject.
According to them, you know nothing, so give them an outlet to explore wellness without you by finding a professional, experienced dietitian, trainer or health coach to ask questions and learn from.
Be willing to participate with them in learning and executing what they learn. This can be a trip to the grocery store, a new exercise habit or just conversations around how you make decisions about your own health
Be patient. Teenagers know everything. We know nothing. Sometimes you have to plant a seed then wait for them to ask you about it.
