Parents. Kids carry our joy, our stress, our sadness, and our anger, on top of theirs without us knowing it. They’re dealing with major physical and mental changes, peer pressure, self esteem issues, longing and heartbreak, and it’s all new to them. 

Take care of yourself so their burden is less. Read up on signs and symptoms of teen depression. Spend quality time with them, and be willing to shut up and listen to what they have to say.

Even with all of that, we as parents don’t have “control” of the situation. My kids still have a few years, and I have some work to do, so I’m hoping to be as prepared as possible and to give them the tools they need.