Children need support, understanding and action from parents, teachers and other adults who care about them. The more supportive parents are, the better equipped children will be to handle stress as they grow up and go out on their own. A study of some 2,000 Minnesota teenagers found that when they experience stress or problems, most try to handle it alone or by talking with other young people. Relatively few turn to adults. One reason is that adults tend to discount or underestimate the significance of young people's pressures or problems.
Offer help early.
This is essential to prevent them from getting too depressed. As mentioned earlier, they won't come to you, so if you are aware of a youngster in distress, reach out or arrange for someone else to do so. Provide attention and encouragement. Young people's self-esteem is on the line most of the time, and its loss often causes depression. Provide ways for them to boost self-esteem by showing interest and attention.