It Takes a Team: Involving Parents in Teen Health

Katie | LifeFluent
Jul 31
4 min read

Updated: Jul 31

No one pretends that talking about health with teens is easy. Topics like mental health, relationships, substance use, even the “can-you-please-wear-deodorant” convo can be awkward or provoke the eye-roll. But this isn’t a challenge just for teachers...Health class can only go so far, but when parents show up with the right tools, that’s when the lessons can really stick. Parent involvement in teen health education is crucial and in this post I’ll share some of the best ways I’ve gotten parents on board.

Why Parent Involvement Matters in Teen Health and Substance Use Prevention

“Parental involvement is one of the strongest protective factors against risky adolescent behavior.” -Dr. Lisa Damour

My parents made a very big deal about eating dinner together at the table every night. I don’t remember most of how I spent my time at home during my teenage years, but I do remember sitting around the oak table with a plastic pitcher of pink Crystal Light in the center (It was the 90s okay?) and talking with my family. The dinner discussion would bleed into after dinner walks and I knew that beyond the questions about school my parents genuinely cared.

Parents are powerful role models and trusted guides. When schools invite parents into the health discussion, it creates a partnership that can better support teens through difficult topics.

A 2019 study from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health shows that teens with high family and school connectedness had 48-66% lower odds of multiple risk behaviors in adulthood-including substance use.

If teachers and parents can share consistent messages, teens will experience less confusion and more confidence in making healthy choices. Think of it as building a support team for your students both inside and outside the classroom.

family dinner, parent involvement, teen health

Practical Ways Teachers Can Engage

Parents in Teen Health Topics

Teachers play a vital role in bridging communication between school and home. Here are some ways you can help parents become active contributors in teen health education:

Host informal information nights or virtual sessions to explain what is being taught in health class. These sessions can answer parents’ questions and reduce misunderstandings.
Provide parents with conversation starters or simple prompts they can use at home. Sometimes parents just need a gentle push or fresh ideas to begin effective communication with their teens.
Send frequent newsletters outlining topics covered in class that contain facts about mental health, substance use, and more. Regular communication makes it easier to keep lines open between teachers and families.
Use anonymous question boxes so students can share concerns they might not say aloud. This helps teachers and parents address real issues without embarrassment.
Invite parent feedback about what health topics they want covered or how to approach sensitive material. When parents feel heard, they become more engaged partners.
Consider offering Parent or Other Trusted Adult Interviews- a structured, guided conversation tool designed to help parents or other trusted adults interview their teens at home in a way that encourages open, honest dialogue. This service can be an excellent resource for teachers to share with families who want support fostering meaningful health discussions beyond the classroom.

Creating these bridges strengthens the support system around teens and helps involved

parents reinforce what students learn in the health classroom.

Effective Strategies for

Communicating with Teens

I don’t know about you, but my success in student relationships comes from an open door at lunch time for students who try to explain the latest Tik Tok trend. It’s all about being interested in their lives.

As a starting point, encourage parents to be open and understanding. They could ask genuine questions like what a good friendship feels like to their teen or how their friends talk about gender or identity. It might be helpful to ask about what their teen has heard about vaping or drinking and what they wish adults understood about these topics. Discussing family health history with questions like “Want to hear how your dad found out he was allergic to shellfish?” can also be a good way to connect.

A more controlling approach often involves strict rules, constant checking, or nonstop lectures about dangers. While it comes from a place of love, it can backfire. Teens may hide things, become defensive, or shut down emotionally. If you hear students saying, “You’re not the boss of me!” a lot, this might be why. Controlling can create an “us versus them” dynamic that nobody benefits from.

Building Trust Between Teachers, Parents, and Teens for Long-Term Health Success

Teachers and parents do not need to have all the answers or get everything right every time. Simply starting the conversation with empathy and openness makes a significant difference. When parents show they care without controlling, teens are more likely to come back with questions, worries, or stories. Eventually, they may even seek advice without rolling their eyes.

Consistency is key! This process takes time and patience. Small moments of connection build a foundation of trust that lasts beyond the classroom and the teenage years.