Title: Common things parents and carers say when their teen is overwhelmed vs What we could say instead



Instead of “Don’t worry so much about little things.” 
You could say, “I can hear this is really important to you. Tell me more.”



Instead of “I’m sure you’ll do great.” 
You could say, “You’re worried you won’t do well. Is there anything I can do to help?”



Instead of “You kids have it easy, when I was a kid we had to just get on with things no matter what.” 
You could say, “The world was a different place when I was growing up. Tell me more about your world, I want to understand.”



Instead of “Don’t cry, everything will be okay.”
You could say, “You’re say right now. Whatever happens, I’m here for you.”



Instead of “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
You could say, “I can see you’ve been thinking about what to do next. Let’s talk this through together to find the best solution.”



Instead of “Just relax.”
You could say “I can see you’re worried. Do you want to talk about it?”



Instead of “If you listen to what I say things will be better.”
You could say, “Do you have any ideas what would be helpful right now?”