If your teen often feels like their emotions are a runaway train, teaching them TIPP can give them the tools they need to get back on track. Let’s dive into what TIPP is, how it works, and how you can encourage your teen to use it.

Does it feel like your teen’s phone has taken over their world—and yours? Maybe you’re tired of seeing them glued to their screen or wish for more face-to-face moments without the Snapchat filters. You’re not alone.

Thanksgiving is often thought of as a time to gather with loved ones, share gratitude, and celebrate with a feast. But for teens struggling with body image, disordered eating, or anxiety, this holiday can feel like a daunting challenge instead of a joyful occasion.

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.