As parents, we want the best for our teens. We want them to grow into responsible, independent adults who can thrive in the world. But in the process, it’s easy to forget the enormous pressures they’re under. Between school, sports, social circles, part-time jobs, and the ever-growing expectations to excel at everything, today’s teens are juggling more than we often realize.

Take a moment to imagine it from their perspective: They’re supposed to ace every test, win every game, be a model friend and sibling, all while keeping their rooms spotless and their attitudes in check. Sound familiar? It’s no wonder our teens sometimes seem overwhelmed or stressed out.

Here’s the thing—our kids want to succeed. They want to make us proud, but sometimes they don’t know how to ask for help when they’re struggling. As parents, we might add to the pressure by focusing on what still needs to be done, forgetting that a little grace can go a long way.

I know how easy it is to get wrapped up in making sure our kids learn all the “right” lessons: responsibility, independence, time management, and resilience. But sometimes, we overlook teaching one of the most critical lessons of all—it’s okay to ask for help when you’re overwhelmed.

Think about it: when we’re busy and stressed, we lean on our own support systems—whether that’s asking a friend for a favor, asking grandparents to step in, or hiring someone to help around the house. Our teens deserve to know it’s okay for them to ask for help, too. According to research, asking for help when we’re overwhelmed is a vital component of building resilience. It’s not just about fostering independence but also about understanding the strength found in community.

Recently, my daughter had an incredibly hectic week. Her room got messy, and instead of nagging her about it, I cleaned it for her. Why? Because I want her to know she can count on me when life gets overwhelming. Now, she can head into another busy week with a clear space to relax and recharge.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting we shield them from every challenge. Busy seasons are perfect opportunities to teach essential life skills like planning ahead, saying no, or preparing for what’s to come. But they also give us the chance to teach them self-compassion—to show them that it’s okay to ask for help when things get too hectic.

I’d love to hear from you: Would you, or have you ever, helped out when your teen is swamped? Maybe you cleaned their room or took on one of their chores. What lessons do you teach your teen during these busy seasons, and how do you support them through it?

Let’s share our ideas and support each other—because, at the end of the day, we’re all just trying to raise healthy, happy teens who know it’s okay to lean on their community when life gets tough.

(Image: AI generated image of a messy room)