Raising Teens in a New Country: A Guide for the Whole Family

This guide was created for parents and teens who are new to the U.S. and for the service providers working with them. The teen years are a time when children learn important lessons and skills that will help them as they develop into adults. This is also a time when parents’ and teens’ relationships can change. This can be exciting and scary for both parents and teens. It can be especially challenging for families who are also adjusting to being in a new country. This guide covers topics that often come up in families raising teenagers in the United States. It also reminds newcomers that all parents worry for their children and most teens face these challenges.

Topics include:

  • Culture and identity
  • Discipline
  • Friends
  • Discrimination and bullying
  • Self-esteem and body image
  • Dating and relationships
  • School engagement
  • Community engagement
  • Online and cyber safety
  • Drugs, alcohol, and smoking
  • Driving
  • Higher education
  • Adult living skills

This guide is available in paper and audio formats in English, Arabic and Spanish. Pre- and post-tests are also available in English, Arabic and Spanish.