During adolescence, crucial emotional and physical habits are formed that impact mental well-being. A supportive home environment, balanced diet, regular exercise, and healthy sleep patterns are essential. Additionally, actively listening to your child's needs and creating a safe space for self-exploration fosters healthy development.  Inevitably in life our children face difficult times, disappointments and failures - whether it’s not getting accepted into a college of choice, losing a championship game, being bullied, tension with friends, conflict at home, poor grades or even a death of a loved one. Although difficulty is a natural part of life, we are often not taught how to cope with hardships in a healthy way. This is where emotion regulation comes in.

Emotion regulation is the ability to be aware, manage and respond to your emotions through any given situation – even when triggered or overwhelmed. It does not mean suppressing or avoiding feelings but expressing them in a way that is conducive to the situation. Using the principles of ‘neuroplasticity’, the ability of the brain to change to new experiences, there are evidence-based coping techniques and skills your child can learn to strengthen their capacity to regulate their emotions. Giving children internal resources and a ‘tool-box’ to draw from in times of need significantly increases their chances of dealing with stress in a healthy way.