As a parent, when your teen has a history of self-harm or suicidal ideation, it’s natural to feel like you’re constantly walking on eggshells. Every decision—leaving them home alone, setting boundaries, or addressing difficult behaviors—can feel like a potential trigger, and that fear can be all-consuming. But here’s the truth: navigating these challenges isn’t just about what your teen does. It’s about how you respond.

Communication is the backbone of healthy relationships, and the way you express your needs can either bring people closer or push them away. For parents of teens, learning how to communicate effectively with your child is key to maintaining a strong, supportive relationship as they grow.

Teens need healthy relationships to thrive emotionally and socially. But many things can get in the way—unhelpful beliefs, lack of communication skills, or even trouble setting boundaries. In our Interpersonal Effectiveness module, we give teens the tools to overcome these challenges and form positive, lasting connections.

Emotion regulation is a crucial life skill, and as a parent, you play a vital role in helping your teen develop it. One effective way to teach this skill is through DBT’s “What” skills—Observe, Describe, and Participate. These skills teach teens how to engage with their emotions and experiences mindfully, helping them stay grounded and make thoughtful choices even in difficult moments.

As a parent, watching your teen struggle with intense emotions can be tough. Our instinct is to step in, try to fix things, or provide a solution. However, teaching teens to manage their emotions on their own can empower them and provide them with long-term coping skills. One of the most effective tools for this is DBT’s (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) Mindfulness of Emotions.

Parenting a teenager, especially one in DBT, often feels like a full-time job. You're constantly tending to their needs, emotions, and challenges. But if you're not careful, you can easily burn yourself out, leaving little energy for both your teen and yourself. In these moments, it's crucial to remember: self-care isn't selfish. It's essential.

As a parent, you want your teen to feel confident and capable of handling life’s emotional ups and downs. But sometimes, teens struggle with overwhelming emotions or stressful situations that leave them feeling stuck. Two powerful tools can help your teen gain the emotional control they need to thrive: Building Mastery and Coping Ahead. These simple, effective strategies can support your teen in feeling more prepared, resilient, and ready to take on life’s challenges.

As parents, one of the most important skills we can teach our teens is how to accumulate positive experiences. Life’s challenges, especially during adolescence, can feel overwhelming, and for teens dealing with depression or difficult emotions, it can seem like the negative always outweighs the positive. That’s where the concept of "Accumulating Positives" comes in—a skill that can help them build up the emotional reserves needed to weather life's storms.