Teens think different than adults do. Their problems always seem bigger, more serious. Their situations are marked by desperation and have all the traits of involving a mission impossible. Are teens' problems more serious than adults are? Of course not, but their perceptions make them think their difficulties are more serious.

A young person's perceptions make everyday problems reach crisis status in their minds. The way they see things allows minor incidents to become tragedies and small issues to reach mountainous proportions.

When a teen reports his world is ending, don't laugh. It may be nothing more than him not looking cool in front of his friends, but to him; this is a critical situation. Or your daughter just broke up with her boyfriend. Nothing too serious to you, but to her, she has lost the love of her life.

Be sympathetic to your teens. Their perceptions are strong even when wrong. Be gentle, be helpful, but don't treat it like it is nothing. To them it is serious business.

Treat your teens with respect when they report problems, and give them the attention they deserve. You would not speak lightly of a crisis your adult friend brought to you. Give teens the same consideration.

If you are an empathetic parent now, your teen may always share their problems with you if not, you may learn about them the hard way.

Credits: Jo Ann Wentzel