Children and adolescents successfully meet most of the challenges posed by the various stages of their development. They also have incredible resiliency in the face of challenging environments and life issues. At the same time they are, however, very aware and sensitive to the stress in family life and their environments. When having difficulty coping, adolescent distress can manifest itself through difficulties in learning, relationships and in emotional & behavioural development. Children have less experiences, fewer coping skills and less control over their environment. They also have difficulty describing emotional problems. Distress can manifest in such ways as irritability, sleeping or eating problems, personality changes, physical complaints, disregard for personal safety, school problems, problems getting along with others, acting younger or older than their ages, and so on. A kelowna counselling consultation can help you understand the source and purpose of behaviour and to assist in helping to increase coping.

Youth and Family Resources