When teens feel connected to their families and when parents are involved in their children's lives, teens are protected. If your child seems to need more activity in his life, take your cue for possible involvement from his leisure activities, suggests Bangert. If he likes to play computer games, channel that into something productive, perhaps signing him up for a computer class. Maybe that kid will be a sports writer. There's a difference in a kid being shy and being antisocial.
Most parents can see the difference.
Some kids go to school, do their homework and don't want to do much else. That can be just fine. All kids are different. They're doing well in school, they have nice friends, and they're happy with their activities. To stay in touch with her kids, Kozerski finds time to talk on their terms.