Helping Teens Build Healthy Coping Skills for Stress: A Guide for Parents

Why Healthy Coping Matters

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), ongoing stress and unhealthy coping can increase a teen’s risk for mental health challenges, substance use, and disordered eating behaviors.

Healthy coping skills help teens:

• Manage stress and strong emotions

• Make safer, more thoughtful decisions

• Reduce reliance on harmful behaviors

• Build resilience that lasts into adulthood

Teaching and reinforcing these skills early make a difference.

What Stress Looks Like in Teens

Stress does not always look obvious. Teens may show it through:

• Irritability or mood changes

• Withdrawal from family or activities

• Changes in sleep or eating habits

• Increased pressure around school, friends, or appearance

• Risk-taking or avoidance behaviors

These are opportunities for conversation — not punishment.

How Parents Can Support Healthy Coping

SAMHSA emphasizes the importance of supportive relationships and open communication. Parents can help by:

• Normalizing stress

  • Let teens know stress is a part of life — and that learning to handle it is a skill.

• Modeling healthy coping

  • Teens notice how adults manage frustration, worry, and overwhelm.

• Encouraging positive strategies, such as:

  • Physical activity or movement

  • Creative outlets (art, music, writing)

  • Talking with trusted people

  • Mindfulness or relaxation techniques

  • Adequate sleep and nutrition

• Keeping conversations judgment-free Teens are more likely to open up when they feel safe and heard.

Conversation Starters for Parents of Teens

Try open-ended questions that invite reflection, not defensiveness:

• “What kinds of things feel most stressful right now?”

• “How do you usually cope when you feel overwhelmed?”

• “What helps you feel calmer when things pile up?”

• “Do you see kids using unhealthy ways to deal with stress?”

• “How can I support you when things feel heavy?”

Listening matters more than fixing.

When to Seek Extra Support

SAMHSA encourages early support when stress begins to interfere with daily life. Consider reaching out for help if your teen:

• Seems persistently overwhelmed or withdrawn

• Uses food, substances, or risky behaviors to cope

• Expresses hopelessness or extreme anxiety

• Has difficulty functioning at school or home

Asking for help is a sign of strength — for teens and parents.

Prevention Starts with Connection

At the Life Education Center, we teach students that healthy choices include how they manage stress, emotions, and pressure. Through our Parent Communication Campaign and Life Education Center Programs, we encourage families to continue these lessons at home through calm, ongoing conversations.

Your presence, support, and willingness to listen are powerful protective factors.

You're doing great, parents!