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• Identify factors that increase "stress hardiness".

• Develop strategies for enhancing his/her self-esteem, motivation, and resilience.

• Help the adolescent deal more effectively with stress and failure.

• Identify strategies for managing an adolescent.

• Understand that developing self-esteem and motivation are important factors in helping adolescents cope with problems.

How to help the adolescent

• Encourage visits with family and friends.

• Respect privacy and fear of embarrassment.

• Do not talk down to the adolescent.

• Involve him/her in decisions about him/her.

• Focus on education and choosing a vocation.

Helping your adolescent control stress

You can do a lot to help your teen cope with the stresses in his/her life. Here are some easy simple techniques you can put to use today:

1. Spend time with your adolescent child. Listen to him/her. Express love and let your child know that he/she is loved and valued as a person, whether he/she achieves or doesn`t achieve.

2. Help your adolescent develop coping strategies. Exercise can be one of the stress relievers. You can also encourage him/her to get involved in a favourite sport.

3. Encourage him/her to learn new skills, such as assertiveness or relaxation techniques, to keep a private journal or listen to music.

4. Encourage your adolescent to reach out to others for help in times of stress. Help him/her see this as a way of connecting with, rather than bothering, others.

5. Praise your child whenever possible, helping him/her to recognise special gifts and talents that may or may not be in traditional academic areas.

6. Help him to feel important in positive ways as a unique individual who happens to be part of a loving family.