Teens
Supporting teens as they learn, grow and find their way
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Well-Being For Teens
Gaining more independence
But in general, small everyday experiences can support teen well-being, including:
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opportunities to connect with friends and trusted adults
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space to explore interests, activities and new ideas
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having access to a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables and regular meals and snacks
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chances to experiment with ways to be active
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time to rest and reset, even during busy schedules
Small moments – like checking in, encouraging something new or supporting time to rest – can have a meaningful impact over time. Supporting teens is often about creating space, offering guidance and allowing room for growth.
What supports well-being for teens
The teen years are a time of big changes. Teens are learning more about who they are and what matters to them and what feels right in their lives.
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This stage can be exciting, confusing, stressful and inspiring all at once. There is also a lot of information to sort through, which can make it difficult to know what to focus on.
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Everyday experiences, like trying something new, moving their bodies, spending time with others or taking a break when things feel overwhelming, can shape how teens feel over time. These moments can
Ways to explore well-being
There are meaningful ways to explore health and well-being through food, movement, rest and connection in everyday life.
Food is part of everyday life and is connected to many fun experiences, culture and time with others.
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As teens grow, they begin to make more of their own choices about what and when they eat. Having access to regular meals and a variety of foods supports energy, focus and overall well-being. Encouraging curiosity and flexibility can help teens build their own healthy food patterns over time.
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These experiences can help teens build confidence, understand their needs and develop a relationship with food that feels balanced and sustainable.
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This might look like offering a variety of foods at home, including fruits and vegetables, exploring foods from different cultures, involving teens in meal planning or preparation, supporting regular eating patterns or sharing meals together when possible.
Movement can be a way for teens to take care of themselves, express who they are and release stress, especially when life feels busy or overwhelming.
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It doesn’t have to look a certain way. Opportunities to move throughout the day – whether structured or informal – can help support energy, focus and emotional well-being. Supporting teens in finding ways to move that feel good to them can encourage a positive and lasting connection with their bodies.
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These experiences can build confidence, support focus and help teens feel more grounded.
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This might look like walking around the neighborhood, dancing, stretching between homework, playing a sport, spending time outside with friends or making time for movement together when possible.
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Connection is about relationships, belonging and having people to turn to.
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Teens are not meant to figure everything out on their own. Life can feel overwhelming at times, and having trusted people to talk to can make a meaningful difference. Spending time with others helps teens build communication skills, learn different perspectives and feel supported.
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These experiences can help teens feel calmer, supported and less alone. They also play an important role in building confidence and navigating challenges over time.
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This might look like checking in regularly, listening without judgment, creating space for them to share what’s going on, vent or process their thoughts, supporting friendships or simply spending time together.
Rest and reset are about creating time to slow down, recharge and check in with what feels needed in the moment.
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In a busy and fast-paced world, these moments can help teens feel less overwhelmed, think more clearly and better manage daily challenges. Supporting time for rest often requires intention, especially with competing demands and screen use.
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These experiences can help teens feel calmer, support mood and focus,and better manage what’s in front of them.
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This might look like supporting consistent sleep routines, encouraging breaks from screens,making space for downtime,modeling healthyboundaries around rest and screen useor supportingactivities that feel calming or restorative.