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.

When teens are encouraged to cope with mental health issues, they’re often bombarded with terms like “fight,” “push through,” and “overcome.” These words, while well-meaning, can create a sense that mental health challenges must be defeated, rather than understood. For parents of teenagers with mental health concerns, a different approach can be incredibly valuable—a way of embracing mental health as part of their teen’s experience rather than something to battle against.

When it comes to helping teens build healthy relationships, the THINK skill is one of the most powerful tools we can offer. This skill is all about perspective-taking—learning how to step outside of our own experience and try to see things from someone else’s point of view. Not only can this improve our teens' relationships, but it can also deepen their empathy, understanding, and overall emotional resilience.

In any relationship, balance is key. We want our teens to experience both the joy of connecting with others and the confidence of staying true to themselves. Relationships are a two-way street, and a healthy connection requires both giving and receiving in a way that feels good to everyone involved.

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.