4 Things the Netflix Series "Adolescence" Reminds Us About Parenting Teens
1. Big emotions are normal—your calm is what helps.
The Adolescence series reminds us that teens aren’t being dramatic on purpose—their brains are just doing what they’re wired to do. Their emotions show up loud and fast, and they don’t always have the tools to manage them yet. What they need most is us—staying steady, listening more than fixing, and showing them they’re not too much.
2. Teens want freedom and closeness—those can go hand-in-hand.
We see it again and again in the series: teens pushing for space, but still needing connection. That’s not mixed messages—it’s healthy development. They’re becoming their own people, but they still need our presence, our boundaries, and our belief in them. We don’t have to let go to stay close.
3. Social media hits HURTING teens where it hurts most—comparison, identity, and belonging.
The documentary does a powerful job showing how online life magnifies the pressure that teens are already feeling. They’re sorting out who they are, while constantly seeing filtered versions of everyone else. Instead of lecturing or banning, we can be curious and involved—talking about what they’re seeing, how it makes them feel, and helping them tune in to their own voice.
4. When behavior is hard, it’s telling you something.
Acting out, shutting down, pulling away—it’s easy to focus on the behavior. But Adolescence reminds us to ask: what’s underneath? So often, it’s stress, loneliness, or self-doubt. When we respond with empathy instead of punishment, we show our teens we’re safe to come to, even when things are messy.
Let the series spark reflection, not fear. Adolescence is a season of intensity and transformation—for teens and for us. We grow when we stay connected.
Parenting with heart,
Dr. Carrie Anne Dittner
Dr. Carrie Anne Dittner is a developmental psychologist who helps give parents insight into what is normal to help them gain more understanding. Her goals is to help parents lead with confidence and connection.