Academic Stress and Success: 5 Strategies to Support Your Teenager

Academic Stress and Success: 5 Strategies to Support Your Teenager

Written by Lily Thrope

Teenage years are critical for growth, learning, and self-discovery, but they are often fraught with academic stress. Many teenagers struggle to find the balance between schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and social expectations, which causes stress and can have a negative impact on their academic performance and emotional well-being. As a parent or guardian, it can be difficult at times to know how to best support your teenager with academic stress. In this blog, we will discuss practical strategies for reducing academic stress and promoting success. From developing effective study habits to creating a supportive home environment, these suggestions will help you confidently and carefully support your teenager through the ups and downs of their academic journey.

Returning to school can be exciting, but it can also create stress and anxiety. Being a teenager is already very difficult, and to add to ordinary stressors, at times, teenagers must endure intense academic pressure, concerns about the future, excelling academically, and choosing what comes after high school–whether it’s college or some other goal. Striving for success can be a relentless pursuit and as parents, it’s crucial to support your teen-aged child and mirror healthy habits and behaviors back to them. 

Here are a few common causes of academic stress: 

• Test anxiety

• Strict deadlines 

• Difficulty with class material 

• Anxiety regarding college applications or college exams 

• Juggling multiple priorities 

Here are some signs that may indicate your teenager is struggling: 

• Headaches 

• Stomach issues 

• Change in appetite

• Change in sleep (oversleeping or insomnia)

• Increased mood swings/irritability

• Weakened immune system

• Emotional outbursts

While these symptoms may be concerning, there are many methods for both parents and their teenagers to help alleviate anxiety and lower stress levels. 

Create a Supportive Home Environment.
It’s helpful to create a quiet study space for your teenager to do schoolwork. Designate a well-lit, quiet spot without too many distractions and try to avoid screens. Creating this space can also help your teen establish a consistent routine. 

Teach Time Management Skills.
Often we find teens stressing out over rigid deadlines or overwhelmed by all the things on their schedules. Good time-management skills help your teenager handle their academic burdens. I recommend using weekly planners or calendars to manage tasks and keep track of deadlines. Encourage your teen to avoid cramming - it can often lead to increased anxiety and stress. 

Encourage Healthy Study Habits.
It’s essential to encourage your teen to take breaks in avoiding burnout. There are several study techniques that incorporate break times, such as the Pomodoro Technique or visual relaxation breaks. Suggest that your teen tries one out next time they are studying for a big exam.  

Set Realistic Goals.
Setting realistic goals is critical for reducing academic stress and staying on track. Begin by establishing both short-term and long-term goals to provide clear direction. Short-term goals, such as completing daily assignments or studying for an upcoming test, can help you stay focused and motivated in the present moment. Long-term goals, such as getting all A’s or prepping for the college transition, provide a more comprehensive sense of purpose. It's also a good idea to strike a balance between academics and extracurricular activities. Encourage your teen to set aside time for hobbies, socializing, and relaxing, as this balance promotes mental health and prevents burnout while still achieving academic goals.

Promote a Growth Mindset.
I find this strategy to be the most important one of all. Reassure your teen that it’s okay to fail sometimes. Emphasize effort over innate ability and reframe failures as learning opportunities. Remind your teen that, while academics are important, they do not define a person's value. If possible, try to engage your teen in conversations around other parts of their identity and life that do bring value. 

Every teen is different and their experience will be different as well. If you find that your teen’s anxiety is negatively impacting their life, consider seeking professional help. At Thrope Therapy we offer in-person and virtual sessions. Reach out today to schedule your free 15-minute consultation.

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