Social Opportunities for Struggling Teens
Social activities and opportunities are an important part of childhood growth. Peer support and acceptance often is a result of such times of social gathering. For struggling teens, the opportunity to get together with those in their age group may be critical to surviving a crisis. All teenagers need to feel understood, cared for and accepted. Having fun and socializing with their peers is one way to facilitate those feelings.
The following are a few places that teens can find social opportunities:
Community Support Groups
Though most support groups are set up for adults, teens should be able to attend if joined by a parent. There may actually be a few groups focused on teenagers in your local area if the problems your teen is facing are common in the community. Among the different types of group meetings available are those for addictions, loss and grief, and specific medical conditions such as cancer.
Extracurricular Activities
Joining a group of other peers interested in a similar hobby or sport is a great way to spend a free afternoon. Having fun for a few hours helps relieve stress and take the mind off troubles that may be depressing your teen. The exercise can also increase endorphins in the brain, which are the bodies "feel good" hormones. See your local recreation district for a list of available activities.
Volunteer and Service
Being social is more than just talking with others. There is a lot that to be gained from just being around others, whether you sit in silence or work together. Volunteering their time is a great way for troubled teens to get their mind of themselves. Serving others in the community is a way to open their eyes to the world, so they may see that they are not the only ones facing hard times and sadness.
Though all teenagers need opportunity to socialize and spend time with friends, the need is more so with struggling teens. Taking away their social outlets when your child is troubled may actually make it harder for them to pull out of their rut. Try exploring local and regional social opportunities for your teen and see what a difference it makes.
The following are a few places that teens can find social opportunities:
Community Support Groups
Though most support groups are set up for adults, teens should be able to attend if joined by a parent. There may actually be a few groups focused on teenagers in your local area if the problems your teen is facing are common in the community. Among the different types of group meetings available are those for addictions, loss and grief, and specific medical conditions such as cancer.
Extracurricular Activities
Joining a group of other peers interested in a similar hobby or sport is a great way to spend a free afternoon. Having fun for a few hours helps relieve stress and take the mind off troubles that may be depressing your teen. The exercise can also increase endorphins in the brain, which are the bodies "feel good" hormones. See your local recreation district for a list of available activities.
Volunteer and Service
Being social is more than just talking with others. There is a lot that to be gained from just being around others, whether you sit in silence or work together. Volunteering their time is a great way for troubled teens to get their mind of themselves. Serving others in the community is a way to open their eyes to the world, so they may see that they are not the only ones facing hard times and sadness.
Though all teenagers need opportunity to socialize and spend time with friends, the need is more so with struggling teens. Taking away their social outlets when your child is troubled may actually make it harder for them to pull out of their rut. Try exploring local and regional social opportunities for your teen and see what a difference it makes.
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