For parents, their teen’s behavior can be confusing and worrisome. For example:
“My 13-year-old has become very moody and irritable. Is it just hormones or is it possibly something else?”
“Should I be concerned about my 15-year-old hanging out with the wrong crowd and breaking curfew?”
“My 17-year-old son recently broke-up with his girlfriend, and he just doesn’t seem to care about his grades, friends or others. What can I do to help him?”
Where can parents turn to when facing such questions? Just dial 454.TEEN (314.454.8336), a help line for parents of teens. This free service offered by St. Louis Children’s Hospital offers parents accurate and just-in-time information concerning adolescent development and behavior. Such information is critical for parents to help their son or daughter navigate through the teenage years.
Generously funded through the Parriott Family's Project Safety Net, 454.TEEN is a resource for parents with questions and concerns about their teen’s behavior. Children’s Hospital professional staff will provide parents with information and answers to their concerns. In addition, trained facilitators will help connect parents with useful resources and referrals.
Common issues raised by parents calling 454.TEEN include:
- Conflict between parent and a teen
- Moodiness and irritability
- Alcohol or drug usage
- Young adult responsibility and independence
- School performance
- Changes in friends and managing peer pressure
- Young adult’s frequent worrying
- Sexual activity
Parents calling 454.TEEN have the opportunity to remain anonymous. Parents may also provide contact information in order to receive materials about their topic of concern and follow-up from our help line professionals to assure that concerns are addressed.
454.TEEN operates Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.
We encourage you to contact us -- we’re just a phone call away!
