As children transition into the complex world of secondary school, parents must shift their role from being the primary problem-solver to being a coach who empowers their teen to navigate pressures independently. A clinical psychologist highlights that teaching skills like self-advocacy and how to access support are critical for preventing burnout in adolescents.
This aligns with the advice from clinical psychologist Meghna Kanwat to help teens “maintain [a] strong school connection.” This connection becomes much more meaningful when the student themselves is driving it. Parents can coach their teens on how to communicate effectively with teachers, for example, by emailing them about a confusing assignment or asking for an extension when feeling overwhelmed.
Teaching these self-advocacy skills builds a teen’s sense of agency. It shows them they are not powerless in the face of academic demands. When they successfully navigate a challenge by speaking up for themselves, it boosts their confidence and resilience, making them less susceptible to the feelings of helplessness that characterize burnout.
Alongside self-advocacy, it’s important to help teens identify their network of support. This includes teachers, school counselors, coaches, and other trusted adults. Parents can encourage them to build these relationships, framing these individuals as allies in their educational journey, so they feel “supported rather than simply evaluated.”
By empowering their teens with these skills, parents are preparing them for the realities of higher education and the workplace, where self-advocacy is essential. They are providing a sustainable, long-term strategy for managing pressure, which is far more effective than simply trying to remove all obstacles from their path.