Today's teens struggle with perfectionism and mood swings, and their parents struggle to have hard conversations with them, according to a recent survey. Teen psychologist Lisa Damour explains how parents can better support their kids as a new school year begins. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy
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Hey, everybody, it's Marielle.
I remember my first day of, I think it was 6th grade.
I showed up in this cute outfit that I had loved the day before.
If I remember right, there was a plaid skirt and a maroon cardigan.
I was stylish.
But then I got to school and all the girls were wearing gym shorts and athletic sneakers.
And I was like, what, did, did I miss the memo?
Like, I suddenly felt so self conscious about my clothes, like a total outsider.
Not a good way to start my middle school journey.
And I think I'm not alone here.
Right?
Back to school time can be exciting, for sure.
Or all those fresh notebooks and dreams of possibility.
This is my year.
I'm gonna try out for the play or make the soccer team or finally talk to that boy.
But it's also hard on kids.