The Emotional Lives of Teenagers

The Emotional Lives of Teenagers

Lisa's latest New York Times best seller is an urgently needed guide to help parents understand their teenagers’ intense and often fraught emotional lives—and how to support them through this critical developmental stage.

Under Pressure

Under Pressure

Lisa’s second New York Times best seller is a celebrated guide to addressing the alarming increase in anxiety and stress in girls from elementary school through college.

Untangled

Untangled

Lisa’s award-winning New York Times best seller–now available in nineteen languages–is a sane, informed, and engaging guide for parents of teenage girls.

Join today

Untangling 10 to 20 is a dynamic library of premium content designed to support anyone who is raising, working with, or caring for tweens and teens.

Become a member

Already a member?

Log in

December 5, 2024

Dear Teenagers

The Importance of Guilt-Free Rest

After periods of intense work, all teenagers need time to recharge and recover. But even though recuperation is essential for their overall growth and well-being, many young people feel a nagging sense of guilt about allowing themselves to relax. In this Dear Teenagers video, Dr. Lisa Damour explains why embracing and enjoying leisure maximizes its restorative power.

You can show this Dear Teenagers video to your 10to20, watch it with them, or use it for guidance on how to talk with them about the importance of guilt-free rest. For more on managing stress well, parents and caregivers can check out this Untangling Family Life video.

More resources

See all

The advice provided here by Dr. Damour and the resources shared by her AI-powered librarian, Rosalie, will not and do not constitute - or serve as a substitute for - professional psychological treatment, therapy, or other types of professional advice or intervention. If you have concerns about your child’s well-being, consult a physician or mental health professional.