Days 71 and 72~ Weekend edition: 'Uncertainty about the future' and 'Sudden changes in behaviour.'

71. Uncertainty About The Future:

If you watch The News regularly it is easy to become overwhelmed with worry and uncertainty about the future. Climate Change and the threat of terrorism are on the agenda regularly at the moment and it can be very frightening for your teenager.

They have not got as much life experience as you so it can be harder to maintain a sense of perspective when they just hear bad news.

When something disastrous happens and it is reported on The News it is good to be informed but constant coverage can be frightening.

Talk to your teenager about what is happening and let them share their fears so that you can give them accurate and useful information rather than leaving them to worry alone.

Make sure that you are aware of the facts. Some reports can be misleading and inaccurate.

If your teen asks questions try and find out accurate answers. Teenagers respond best to honesty. If you don't have the answers it is best to admit this to your teen.

As they grow, teach your teen to question what they hear on The News. Encourage them to consider if there may be missing information or another side to the story.

Questioning what they read, see and hear helps teens to become well balanced individuals.

Realising that some questions do not have simple answers and knowing that the solutions to world problems can be complex will help your teen to have a balanced view of life.

72. Sudden Changes In Behaviour:

It can be very worrying when your teen starts behaving differently. Sudden changes in behaviour that seem out of character for your teen can be alarming. If you are worried about them, try asking them if anything is bothering them. You can say that you have noticed that they don't seem quite themselves at present.

They may open up to you and tell you the reason for their mood change or they may not.

If they decide not to tell you what is bothering them you can remind them that you are there for them if they change their mind and then monitor them carefully for any signs of what might be the problem.

Changes in behaviour can be innocent or the reason can be more serious. They may be experimenting with drugs or alcohol, for example. The side effects of drug and alcohol experimentation could lead to mood changes in your teen but it is important not to jump to conclusions or expect the worst as this is likely to alienate your teen if they are falsely accused of doing something that they haven't done. Stick to facts. If you are sure that they are putting themselves at risk in some way and this is leading to changes in their behaviour you will need to deal with this situation but if you have no evidence, try to stay calm and keep looking out for clues as to your teens change of mood.

Remember mood swings are very common in the teenage years. All the hormonal changes taking place in their body can leave them feeling snappy or tearful.