Skip to content

Research: Time with parents is important for teens’ well-being

Teenagers are famous for seeking independence from their parents, but research shows that many teens continue to spend time with their parents and that this shared time is important for teens’ well-being, according to Penn State researchers.

“The stereotype that teenagers spend all their time holed up in their rooms or hanging out with friends is, indeed, just a stereotype,” said Susan McHale, professor of human development and director of the Social Science Research Institute at Penn State. “Our research shows that, well into the adolescent years, teens continue to spend time with their parents and that this shared time, especially shared time with fathers, has important implications for adolescents’ psychological and social adjustment.”

Read full article here

Chris

Chris

Chris Hudson is an Australian Youth Specialist, Parent Coach, and Educator dedicated to helping adults build authentic relationships with teenagers. With over 25 years of experience, he shares insights on navigating the dynamic world of adolescence through his platform, Understanding Teenagers. When not coaching or speaking, Chris enjoys family adventures on the South Coast of NSW and playing very average tennis. He does not enjoy always losing when playing Nintendo with his kids.

Latest Posts

Mother trying to talk to stern teenage son who is wearing headphones

Why Teens Push Back: and How to Get Them to Listen

Ever tried to get your teenager to do something simple—like unpack the dishwasher, turn down the music, or
Parents of teenager having discussion in bedroom

Good Kids. Weak Moments. Parenting in the Digital World.

Netflix’s Adolescence is a confronting look at teen life in the digital age. This article unpacks what it gets right—and how parents can respond to the risks of social media with clarity, boundaries, and connection. A real-world guide for raising teens in an algorithm-driven world.
Mother pointing at daughter who is staring at a mobile phone

Should You Keep Your Teenager Off Social Media?

You knew this day was coming. Your teen has that look—the one that says, I’m about to make