Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Psychologist Urges Parents to Connect Before Correcting Teenagers
Teenagers can have strong feelings as they grow and figure out who they are.
A bad mood or wanting time alone does not automatically mean something is wrong.
Parents should notice whether a change lasts, keeps returning, or makes everyday life harder.
They can look for changes in sleep, eating, school, friendships and favourite activities.
Pulling away from everyone or feeling hopeless may need extra attention.
Talking about death or hurting oneself needs urgent attention.
Parents can choose a calm time to listen and avoid comparing or judging.
Spending ordinary, relaxed time together can help teenagers feel safe enough to talk.
Teen mood swings, requests for privacy and changing friendships can be normal, but parents should watch for persistent changes.
Psychologist Dr Ridhi Doshi says parents should consider a change’s intensity, duration and effect on everyday life.
Warning signs can include lasting withdrawal, loss of interest, disrupted sleep or eating, falling school performance and hopelessness.
Talk of death or self-harm should be addressed urgently, Doshi says.
She advises parents to listen without judgement, choose a calm moment and build connection before offering corrections or advice.
- Who
- Parents of teenagers and child psychologist Dr Ridhi Doshi.
- What
- Doshi explains how parents can distinguish ordinary teenage changes from signs of distress and how to approach conversations.
- When
- In a conversation with The Better India; no date is specified.
- Where
- The Better India.
- Why
- To help parents notice persistent changes in their teenagers and offer support without dismissing concerns as teenage behaviour.
- Expert
- Child psychologist Dr Ridhi Doshi.
- What to assess
- The change, its intensity, its duration and its impact on daily life.
- Possible warning signs
- Persistent withdrawal, loss of interest, changes in sleep or appetite, school difficulties, hopelessness and reduced self-care.
- Urgent concerns
- Talk of death or self-harm should be addressed urgently.
- Conversation advice
- Choose a calm moment, listen without judgement and give the teenager time to respond.
- Core reminder
- Connect before correcting; do not panic, but do not ignore persistent changes.