A key aspect of adolescent development is figuring out a sense of self, autonomy, and knowledge. They are trying to balance out what they like, what their beliefs are, and how they fit in the world with the expectations from their peers.

Unfortunately, there are many people on TikTok (and real-life) that use both clinical and nonclinical terms incorrectly, thanks to a poor understanding of the concept and its origins

If you have a teen in your household or have been around a teen, you know TikTok is probably their most used app.

Generation Z (Gen Z), born between 1997 to 2012 is considered the first generation to not only witness the genesis of the internet but to grow alongside it. With the oldest of the Gen Z youth being in their mid to late 20s, we are able to ascertain both the positive and negative effects of being a digital native.

A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that helps individuals cope with and manage a crisis or emergency situation. It is a proactive approach that can help prevent crises and manage risks, especially for individuals who struggle with mental health issues, suicidal thoughts, or other forms of self-harm.

If you suspect that your teenager is engaging in self-harm, it is crucial to take action. Here are some tips on how to help your teenager with self-harm:

Today's American culture can be incredibly challenging for teenagers to navigate. Social media has created a world where teens are constantly bombarded with unrealistic expectations and pressure to fit in with their peers.

Self-harm is a disturbing issue that affects teenagers around the world. It is an unhealthy coping mechanism that can lead to serious consequences if not addressed properly.

Is it possible that our daily and weekly schedules stand in the way of our more significant desires? Are we missing the point in all of our strivings to be good parents and 'do' all the right things?

You and your family have an opportunity for growth and try to do things a little better. You can rebuild that connection that you lost with your teen, just by putting words around that emotion that they couldn’t explain and helping them feel seen.

One of the top goals that I hear from parents in session is “I wish they would communicate with me, and tell me what was going on”. Here's the thing, if we as their parents don’t know how to recognize all the emotions, where are our teens learning it from?

We blame social media for our teens and all the things that they do wrong. Look at how much we look to social media for an answer. I start conversations about the funny tik-tok or start my hair about by showing my hairdresser a pin from pinterest. Whether we like it or not, social media is a part of our lives, for better or for worse.