Common Things Teens Worry About 

You might wonder what your teenager is worried about these days. Of course, it varies from person to person, but here’s a run-down of the most common concerns I hear in my therapy sessions with teens. Understanding what teens worry about can help you connect with your child and support them more effectively. 

1. Teens Worry About Parents’ Approval 

Teens care deeply about what their parents think of them—even if they act like they don’t. Approval, praise, and support from you go a long way. Even when they push you away or seem distant, they’re watching and listening. They want to know they’re making you proud. This is something teens worry about, no matter how often they act like they don’t.

2. What Friends Think of Them

Adolescents are often consumed by worries about fitting in and being liked. It’s hard for them to see how little this will matter later in life. Right now, their world revolves around friendships, popularity, and social media. Fear of rejection or exclusion weighs heavily on them. 

3. Keeping Up With Schoolwork

School stress is a huge part of what teens worry about. Some are worried about passing classes, while others stress over perfect grades. Many feel buried under the pressure to perform, and it’s easy for them to get overwhelmed. Even highly motivated teens can burn out. 

4. Teens Worry If Their Family Is Okay

If something is off in their family, it becomes a huge part of what teens worry about. Even if teens don’t say it, they care deeply about their families. When parents argue, talk about financial stress, illness, or major life changes, teens pick up on it. Usually, teens don’t know how to talk about it. However, when the people they count on for safety seem upset or unstable, it makes them feel anxious.

5. Teens Worry About Their Future

With so many paths to choose from, it’s easy for teens to feel lost. They’ve heard all their lives that they can be anything—but choosing one thing can feel overwhelming. Thoughts about college, careers, and growing up bring on stress. They wonder, “What if I can’t do it? What if I fail?” These big questions are a big part of what teens worry about. 

How to Help With What Teens Worry About

Teens have a lot on their minds, and the pressure to succeed—socially, academically, and personally—can feel overwhelming. As a parent or caring adult, your presence, empathy, and willingness to listen go a long way. When you understand what teens worry about, you can help them feel supported, safe, and capable of handling whatever comes their way. 

Helping teens grow and families improve connection, 
Lauren Goodman, MS, MFT