Inside the Adolescent Brain: What Parents Need to Know About Tweens, Teens and Mental Health
Understand your tween or teen’s behavior by learning how the adolescent brain develops, and how it affects mental health.
Every May, Mental Health Awareness Month invites us to pause, reflect and have honest conversations about emotional well-being. For many families, it is also a reminder of just how early mental health struggles can begin, and how critical it is to provide children and teens with the right support from the start.
At Pediatric Consultations, we believe that caring for a child’s mental health is just as important as caring for their physical health. Emotional development does not begin in adolescence, it begins in childhood. And the earlier we recognize the signs, the better we can help young people thrive.
It is easy to think of anxiety, depression or emotional stress as “grown-up” challenges. But research tells a different story. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), one in five children experience a mental health disorder at some point during their development. These can range from anxiety and depression to ADHD, autism and more.
Yet many of these issues go undiagnosed, or dismissed as “just a phase.” That is why Mental Health Awareness Month matters. It is not only about raising awareness, it is about shifting perspectives and making sure families feel supported, informed and empowered to act.
When children receive support early, whether that means talking to a trusted pediatrician, attending therapy or making adjustments at school, the impact can be life-changing. Early intervention can:
At Pediatric Consultations, we often meet families who are relieved to finally have answers, sometimes after years of uncertainty. By identifying concerns early, we can create a tailored plan that meets each child where they are and builds toward a stronger, healthier future.
Mental Health Awareness Month is the perfect time to check in with your child, not just about grades or chores, but about how they are feeling. Here are a few ways families can take part:
Our team is proud to support families in Monmouth and Ocean Counties with compassionate, expert care focused on youth mental health. During Mental Health Awareness Month, and every month, we are here to listen, guide and help children grow into confident, emotionally resilient young adults.
If you have concerns about your child’s mental health, let’s talk. Early support can make all the difference.
Understand your tween or teen’s behavior by learning how the adolescent brain develops, and how it affects mental health.
Help your child adjust to summer with flexible routines, calm transitions and expert tips from our team at Pediatric Consultations.