Duke Medicine: How to talk to your teens about health

This important aspect of adolescent development is sometimes overlooked by parents. As a result, many older teens and even young adults are not well equipped to effectively advocate for their health or seek care.

This is often an issue when young people struggle to transition from pediatric to adult care. It is helpful to establish the standard of caring for one’s body, even before adolescence. Gradually let the adolescent assume more responsibilities related to his or her health.

If a teen takes medications, transition responsibility for taking that medication to the teen over time.

Modeling by the teen’s parents also has a powerful influence. If parents have difficulty caring for their own health effectively, the adolescent may follow suit. On the other hand, positive efforts by a parent can set an important example.