Teen Talk Tuesdays: Social Anxiety

In our next edition of Teen Talk Tuesdays*, we hear from a parent concerned for their teens' growing social anxiety.

Dear Karen, 

My daughter is 11 years old and she seems to have developed social anxieties. She used to be cheerful and outgoing and nowadays she is much more reserved and seems reluctant to join any social or school activities. I’ve tried talking to her but don’t know what else I can do to help her.

Dear Parent, 

You’re not alone! Puberty is a challenging time for both genders, when teens try to figure out who they are and the pressure to fit in can be overwhelming. However, girls experience a much bigger dip in confidence. Statistically, teenage girls’ confidence drops by 30% between the ages of 8-14! But do not despair. Confidence can be developed and you can certainly help her in a number of ways. Here are a few ideas:

1. Encourage her to try something new or different. Help her see that things may not be as scary as she makes them out to be, and that she is braver than she thinks.
2. Normalize failure and celebrate progress. This helps her learn that setbacks are a part of life. Learning to move on from mistakes is how she will develop resilience.
3. Be a role model. Speak openly about your own failures and model confidence in your own behaviours. It will really resonate with her and help her embrace her potential.

Finally, accept that things will be rocky for a while and there will be bumps along the way. Your impulse will be to protect your daughter. But have the confidence that she will grow from adversities and challenges.

 Just Peachy Pre Teen & Teen Underwear for confidence, movement and every day

 

Got questions? Submit them confidentially by emailing hello@justpeachybasics.com or sending us a DM at justpeachy.basics. Every Tuesday, we'll publish a Q&A on teen topics, providing valuable insights and advice.

 

Teen Talk Tuesdays* is brought to you in collaboration with Karen Chan from The Greenstone Group, a weekly initiative to support teens and their parents. Karen, a registered counselor and ICF-accredited coach, offers holistic therapeutic support through psychotherapy and coaching, specializing in confidence issues, anxiety, stress, and more. 

About Karen Chan

Karen Chan, of The Greenstone Group, is a registered counsellor and ICF-accredited coach who works with teens and adults, focusing particularly on women at all life stages. Recognizing the difficulty of moving forward without addressing past issues, Karen provides a holistic therapeutic experience through psychotherapy and the transformational power of coaching. Her clients include those struggling with confidence issues, low mood, anxiety, stress, relationship difficulties, or those wanting to make a change but not knowing how. Using evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Karen takes a flexible, respectful, and client-centred approach, offering a safe and trusting environment for clients to heal and find a path forward. With over 20 years of corporate experience, she also consults with companies to promote workplace mental wellness and resilience.

Learn more about Karen Chan: Karen Chan LinkedIn

Get started on your journey towards a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life by booking a free 20-minute discovery call with Karen. 

 

*The information provided on in this article is generalized and for informational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice, diagnoses, or treatment. For more personalized advice, please reach out for counseling or seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.