Dr David Coleman: The right questions to ask your teenager if they are anxious about not being liked or fitting in

Fitting in can be a big concern for children and teenagers but how do we prevent them from catastrophising? Dr David Coleman shares his tips on supporting your child and reducing the risk of social anxiety

Inclusion can be a big deal but there are ways parents can be supportive. Photo: Getty

David Coleman

Social approval and acceptance often seem to be the most significant goals of preteen and early teenage children. From the ages of about 11 through to 15 years, children can be at their most self-conscious, working hardest to try to fit in and be just like all their peers.

This is the time that parents will experience their sons and daughters to be most chameleon-like, changing hair, clothes, attitudes, mannerisms and behaviour to mould themselves to what their friends are like. Within that, children can also experience their greatest fears of not being liked.