Kiddipedia
Raising teens has never been easy, but today’s parents are navigating something entirely new: the ever-present pull of the digital world. Recent research published in the Medical Journal of Australia found that 86% of Australian adolescents exceed the nationally recommended screen time limits for television and electronic devices. Between social media, streaming platforms and constant connectivity, our teens are growing up in a landscape that demands more from their attention and emotional resilience than ever before.
As a mother of four (all young adults and teenagers), I know firsthand how overwhelming this phase of parenting can be. But I also know this: resilience isn’t something our kids either have or don’t. It’s something we can actively help them build with the right tools, support and mindset.
Understanding your core values and aligning your life with them is a vital lesson for teens. Helping young people identify what truly matters creates an inner compass they can return to when the noise of the world gets too loud.
Start with Values
Encourage your teen to think about their values. What do they stand for? What kind of friend, student or human do they want to be? These questions may sound deep, but they open the door to self-reflection, which is key to resilience.
You might explore this together through journaling or a casual chat during a walk or while driving. Keep it relaxed. These conversations are more about planting seeds than demanding clarity.
Prioritise Wellbeing
Resilience is hard to cultivate when our nervous systems are constantly under pressure. One of the simplest and most powerful ways to support your teen’s wellbeing is to protect their sleep. Blue light from screens can interfere with melatonin production and disrupt sleep quality. A study by Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital found that more than one in four school-age children in Australia use screens in bed during the hour before sleep. Implementing a no-screen rule at least an hour (ideally two) before bed, along with a calming evening routine — think showers, a relaxing show, or even reading — can help the body wind down naturally.
Movement also plays a crucial role in resilience. Whether it’s a team sport, dance, surfing or even just a family walk around the block, staying active releases endorphins and provides a natural buffer against stress.
It’s also important to acknowledge the emotional toll of constant comparison and connection online. A strong sense of self helps teens navigate rejection and FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) with greater ease. This is where values become powerful guideposts.
Support Healthy Time Habits
One way to help teens build resilience is by supporting healthy time habits. Talk to them about the difference between what feels urgent (like replying to messages or cramming for a test) and what’s genuinely important for their wellbeing and long-term goals — such as getting enough rest, preparing thoughtfully, and maintaining healthy relationships.
Encourage them to plan ahead, create space for rest, and make room for activities that nurture their growth. When teens learn to prioritise what truly matters, they’re better equipped to handle stress, avoid burnout and develop a more balanced approach to life.
Be the Example
Of course, the most powerful lessons are the ones we model ourselves.
If we’re constantly scrolling, checking emails at the dinner table or burning out from saying yes to everything, our teens notice. They see when we’re anxious, distracted or depleted. But they also see when we take care of ourselves, speak kindly to ourselves and say no when we need to.
Practising what you preach, whether it’s taking phone-free time, moving your body or setting boundaries around work and social time, creates a safe and consistent example for your teen to follow.
Final Thoughts
There’s no perfect way to raise a teenager, and no one gets it right all the time. But if we can help our teens know who they are, take care of their bodies and minds, manage their time with intention, feel unconditionally loved, and witness healthy behaviour in us, we’re giving them a foundation that no algorithm or app can shake.
It’s also important to pick your battles. Teens are discovering who they are and developing independence, which often means pushing boundaries.
Resilience isn’t about being tough. It’s about being anchored. And in a world that constantly tries to pull our teens in every direction, that anchor might just be the most valuable thing we help them find.
About the Author
Emma Lagerlow is a wealth and mindset coach, author of Worthy & Wealthy: Discovering Abundance and Fulfilment Beyond Money, and host of the podcast It’s a Mindset. As a mother of four, Emma is passionate about helping families raise resilient, values-led teens and create calm, connected homes in today’s fast-paced digital world. Learn more at www.emmalagerlow.com.
