What do you consider to be “normal” teenage behavior? How late does your teen stay up at night? How much time do they spend using electronics? How often are they socializing face to face with friends? Do you eat dinner together as a family? Do you force your teen to attend their sibling’s sporting events or other extracurricular events?

I pose these questions, not necessarily with specific answers that will make sense to all of you. I feel each family is different and has their own “set of rules” they follow that works for them. That is not to say that there are not guidelines that I would “suggest” but what works for one family might not for another.

The questions to ask yourself are: Is my teen making smart choices? Did I raise him/her with intact values that show he has self-confidence and a good self -esteem as well as the knowledge and will power to be their own person and not just follow the crowd?  Is your teen the last one standing, the one who doesn’t know his or her own limits and who expects all will just “work out” because it always seems to, even despite what they do?  How does she do in school?

Do you know where your teen spends her weekend nights? Who does she talk to on a daily basis? Does she wake up late on the weekends and seem strung out or hung over every Saturday and Sunday morning? Is he constantly closed off in his room, only coming out for food and the bathroom? What is her favorite subject in school? Does he ask for help at all with school or with social concerns? Is he sexually active? If so, is he being safe? Does she wear long sleeves all year round? Perhaps to cover up scars or fresh self-inflicted cuts meant to self-soothe?

When your teen’s behaviors and/or moods are interfering with his daily functioning and he is not performing up to par in school and/or at home, it is time to explore further. Is she willing to talk to a professional who might be able to be a good, non-judgmental sounding board who is not her parent and not involved in her day-to-day life? Is he interested in changing his outlook on life and realize there is more to life than Instagram and Twitter?  What other questions do you have about your teen but are afraid to learn? It might not hurt to just put on a brave face and ask..

Important Notice: The information presented above is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for consulting a psychologist or other mental health professional to discuss your unique situation.