Overachiever Teens

Parents should not rely on a teen´s affirmation that everything is fine. Teens often use disguises or masks to hide their underlying feelings. The mask of success can be particularly misleading. Overachievers rarely express their genuine feelings, especially anger. They are driven to succeed and try fiercely to be independent. But they are actually very dependent on outside accomplishments to justify their existence. The most important message a parent can send to an overachieving teen is: "I know you are human and struggling just like everyone."