Basic Tips for Therapeutic Parenting with Teenagers
Hopefully, at this point in your parenting journey, you are familiar with the principles of Therapeutic Parenting; however, it may be of benefit to revisit some of the resources highlighted in the early years sections.
1. Be Honest About Their Life Story
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Talk openly about their birth family and background (ideally before their teen years).
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Discuss similarities and differences with birth parents to help them understand their identity.
2. Highlight What You Share
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Point out shared traits or interests between you and your teen to strengthen your bond.
3. Be Real About Your Own Flaws
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Show your imperfections. It helps reduce their shame and builds trust through honesty.
4. Offer Choices with Boundaries
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Let them make decisions (like clothes or activities) to feel independent.
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Still set clear rules to keep them safe and secure.
5. Make Home a Safe, Nurturing Place
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Keep showing love, even when they withdraw.
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Small gestures—like leaving kind notes or preparing food—help them feel cared for.
6. Keep Things Playful and Light
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Use humour and a warm tone to connect—but avoid sarcasm, which can hurt.
7. Connect Before You Correct
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Build emotional connection even when you need to discipline—love first, then limits.
8. Support Their Growing Independence
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Talk about how you became independent—share your own struggles and lessons to guide them.
At Adoption West, we are trying to find out if you have any ideas or suggestions about what you would like us to do for you.
We would also like to share information with you about what is happening in adoption and find out what you think about different topics.
If you have anything to tell us, please email adoptionsupporthelpdesk@adoptionwest.co.uk, with your ideas.
We will be putting on some activities during the summer holidays, and we hope to meet some of you there. Please visit our Events Page for more information.
Online Safety Advice for Parents of Adopted Children
1. Adoption West – Social Media Tips for New Parents
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Offers practical tips for safe and respectful social media use.
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Designed to help adoptive parents protect their family’s privacy while still enjoying online spaces.
📄 Download the guide
2. Adoption UK – Empowering Use of Social Media
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Highlights positive, empowering ways to use social media as adoptive families.
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Offers realistic strategies for staying safe without feeling isolated.
Visit the guide
3. UK Safer Internet Centre + Adoption UK – Leaflets for Adoptive Parents and Foster Carers
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Easy-to-read resources focused on online safety in adoptive and foster families.
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Covers common risks and how to talk to children about them.
Free leaflets here
4. GOV.UK – Online Safety Support for Parents and Carers
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Lists national support services and practical tools to help protect children online.
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Covers harmful content, grooming, cyberbullying, and privacy tools.
Find resources
5. NSPCC – Keeping Children Safe Online
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Offers specific advice on:
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First phones
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Inappropriate content
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SEND-friendly resources
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Chat apps and gaming
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Includes conversation starters for tricky topics.
Explore NSPCC’s online safety hub
6. CEOP Education – Age-Specific Resources and Reporting Abuse
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Run by the National Crime Agency
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Provides age-appropriate content on online dangers and how to respond.
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A trusted place for reporting grooming or abuse.
Visit CEOP Education
Top Tips for Adoptive Families
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Keep personal details private – Avoid sharing adoption details publicly.
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Be alert to contact from birth families – Monitor privacy settings and friend requests carefully.
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Talk openly with your child – Encourage ongoing dialogue about their digital life.
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Use parental controls – Set filters and time limits on devices and apps.
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Know where to get help – Use the resources above for support or advice when unsure.
