logo
The 3 Stages Of 'Teen Separation', According To A Psychologist

The 3 Stages Of 'Teen Separation', According To A Psychologist

Yahoo20-07-2025
A clinical psychologist has identified three stages teens go through when 'separating' from their parents – and it's resonating with a lot of people on social media.
In a video shared on TikTok, Dr Lucie Hemmen said 'one of the most triggering things about teenagers is their separation process' from their parents, which often happens in a handful of stages (more on that in a moment).
First of all, why do teens distance themselves from their parents?
Adolescence occurs between the ages of 10 to 19 – it's the period between childhood and adulthood where tweens and teens experience 'rapid physical, cognitive and psychosocial growth', according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
As part of this, teens can begin pushing away from their parents, which adolescent therapist Ashley Hudson said is part of a typical developmental process.
'Teenagers want and subconsciously push for independence. Their biological clock ticks inside of them saying, 'Hey! You've got to figure out this adulting thing, because you are going to be on your own soon',' she explained.
This might mean your teen is pushing back on boundaries, engaging in risky behaviours or simply spending more time with friends or romantic interests.
This period is all about finding out who they are as a person outside of the family unit – and for parents, it's tough. The child you have nurtured and who might've idolised you for years all of a sudden doesn't want to know.
What are the three stages of separation?
Dr Hemmen said the first stage you might notice as your teen begins to pull away is disagreements. 'So a lot of times when a kid turns 13 or 14, their parent says: 'Oh my god, everything is an argument',' she explained.
During arguments, the key advice for parents is to try and stay calm – as parental aggression is likely to be mirrored with teen aggression.
The NHS advises ensuring your body language reflects your willingness to listen, and to give your teenager personal space during an argument. If things get very heated, don't be afraid to take time out. Explain you are going for a walk and will come back again in half an hour.
The second stage of teen separation, added Dr Hemmen, is withdrawal.
'They often spend more time in their rooms because they're really craving independence,' she explained. This might also look like spending more time with friends.
Again, teens withdrawing is a normal part of their emotional development – they're going off on their own, forming 'their own opinions, identity and values', according to psychologist Dr John Townsend.
When this begins to happen, coaching site Reach Out urges parents not to take it personally – instead, keep an eye on your teen while also giving them the space and time to 'handle their own lives' (easier said than done, we know).
Of course, sometimes withdrawal can be a red flag, which is why it's important for parents to avoid taking their foot completely off the pedal.
If you're worried about your child, don't be afraid to be present, patient and share open-ended and emotionally neutral questions or statements like, 'I've noticed you seem quieter lately. That's totally OK, but I just want you to know I'm here anytime you want to talk'. (You can find more helpful, therapist-approved advice here.)
Lastly, stage number three of teen separation is bending the rules and pushing the limits, according to Dr Hemmen.
'Let's face it, there's a spectrum. Some teenagers do this a little bit, some teenagers do it a lot. Obviously it's very triggering when they go way off road,' said Dr Hemmen.
'But the positive intention in that behaviour for teenagers is to explore the world and to think for themselves – and they often learn a lot about boundaries through crossing them and living with the impact of that.'
Parents of teens are relating hard
In response to the video, one parent wrote: 'I miss my sweet baby boy! Having a teenage boy is like trying to have a relationship with a guy that's not interested.' Their comment clearly resonated with a lot of people, as it had over 400 likes at the time of writing.
Another said: 'I'm in stage 3 and I'm learning to walk a fine line of still parenting and letting my daughter grow up.'
Making space for a teen's autonomy can clearly pay off in the long run though, as one parent commented: 'I learned that when I didn't push back, but openly encouraged and supported their autonomy and normalised and accepted their priorities and values being different than mine, they really matured.'
Hang on in there!
Related...
Therapist Shares 5 Phrases To Use When Teens 'Talk Back'
Martin Lewis Urges Parents Of Teens To Do 1 Thing When They Turn 18
WTF Does 'Crashing Out' Mean When Teens Say It?
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

From hair growth to gut health, find out why everyone is talking about JSHealth Vitamins
From hair growth to gut health, find out why everyone is talking about JSHealth Vitamins

Indianapolis Star

time3 hours ago

  • Indianapolis Star

From hair growth to gut health, find out why everyone is talking about JSHealth Vitamins

If you've scrolled through any wellness-related content on TikTok lately or taken a look at the beauty shelf of your favorite influencer, chances are you've seen the minimalist bottles of JSHealth Vitamins. The Australian-born brand has become a fan-favorite on the internet for a reason. Customers totally gush about how these supplements actually work and that they're designed to fit seamlessly into your daily routine. Formulated by clinical nutritionist Jessica Sepel, JSHealth Vitamins' best-sellers target real-life issues like bloating, hair thinning and sleepless nights with clean, effective ingredients. Below, we've highlighted three of the brand's most iconic formulas (that are all on sale right now) and why they might be worth adding to your wellness routine. This is the product that put JSHealth Vitamins on the map. Powered by Iodine and Zinc, this Hair + Energy supplement supports healthy hair growth, thickness, and strength—while also giving your energy levels a natural lift. It's especially loved by those dealing with postpartum shedding, stress-related thinning, or just looking to grow out their hair with confidence. ↠ Original price: $59.99 for a one-time purchase | Sale price: $44.99 This 2-in-1 formula is a game-changer for anyone who's ever felt bloated after a meal or during hormonal shifts. With gentle, plant-based ingredients like Milk Thistle, Fennel and Dandelion Root, the Detox + Debloat formula supports liver detoxification and digestive comfort. Thousands of users swear by it for helping them feel more confident in their clothes and their bodies. ↠ Original price: $79.99 for a one-time purchase | Sale price: $68.99 If winding down at the end of the day feels impossible, the Advanced Magnesium+ Formula might be your new favorite supplement. It combines three forms of magnesium (Magnesium Glycinate Dihydrate, Magnesium Citrate, and Magnesium Amino Acid Chelate) to calm the nervous system, ease muscle tension and promote deep, restorative sleep. Whether you're recovering from a workout or just a long day, this capsule is formulated to help you reset without grogginess. ↠ Original price: $59.99 for a one-time purchase | Sale price: $49.99 More: Here are the 10 supplements I take while on my Zepbound weight loss journey

From hair growth to gut health, find out why everyone is talking about JSHealth Vitamins
From hair growth to gut health, find out why everyone is talking about JSHealth Vitamins

USA Today

time4 hours ago

  • USA Today

From hair growth to gut health, find out why everyone is talking about JSHealth Vitamins

If you want bloat-free mornings, better sleep and stronger hair, JSHealth Vitamins might be the answer. If you've scrolled through any wellness-related content on TikTok lately or taken a look at the beauty shelf of your favorite influencer, chances are you've seen the minimalist bottles of JSHealth Vitamins. The Australian-born brand has become a fan-favorite on the internet for a reason. Customers totally gush about how these supplements actually work and that they're designed to fit seamlessly into your daily routine. Formulated by clinical nutritionist Jessica Sepel, JSHealth Vitamins' best-sellers target real-life issues like bloating, hair thinning and sleepless nights with clean, effective ingredients. Below, we've highlighted three of the brand's most iconic formulas (that are all on sale right now) and why they might be worth adding to your wellness routine. 1. JSHealth Vitamins Hair + Energy Formula This is the product that put JSHealth Vitamins on the map. Powered by Iodine and Zinc, this Hair + Energy supplement supports healthy hair growth, thickness, and strength—while also giving your energy levels a natural lift. It's especially loved by those dealing with postpartum shedding, stress-related thinning, or just looking to grow out their hair with confidence. ↠ Original price: $59.99 for a one-time purchase | Sale price: $44.99 2. JSHealth Vitamins Detox + Debloat Formula This 2-in-1 formula is a game-changer for anyone who's ever felt bloated after a meal or during hormonal shifts. With gentle, plant-based ingredients like Milk Thistle, Fennel and Dandelion Root, the Detox + Debloat formula supports liver detoxification and digestive comfort. Thousands of users swear by it for helping them feel more confident in their clothes and their bodies. ↠ Original price: $79.99 for a one-time purchase | Sale price: $68.99 3. JSHealth Vitamins Advanced Magnesium+ Formula If winding down at the end of the day feels impossible, the Advanced Magnesium+ Formula might be your new favorite supplement. It combines three forms of magnesium (Magnesium Glycinate Dihydrate, Magnesium Citrate, and Magnesium Amino Acid Chelate) to calm the nervous system, ease muscle tension and promote deep, restorative sleep. Whether you're recovering from a workout or just a long day, this capsule is formulated to help you reset without grogginess. ↠ Original price: $59.99 for a one-time purchase | Sale price: $49.99 More: Here are the 10 supplements I take while on my Zepbound weight loss journey About JSHealth Vitamins Shop JSHealth Vitamins

Why Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber love this trendy beauty supplement — which also aids digestion and boosts immunity
Why Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber love this trendy beauty supplement — which also aids digestion and boosts immunity

New York Post

time6 hours ago

  • New York Post

Why Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber love this trendy beauty supplement — which also aids digestion and boosts immunity

It's slick, slimy — and suddenly everywhere. From Bella Hadid's morning routine to Winnie Harlow's skincare line, sea moss is the latest health food craze making waves across the wellness world. 'More people are curious about its benefits,' Lauren Manaker, a registered dietitian and nutritionist told The Post. 'It's exciting to see such a natural, nutrient-rich ingredient getting the attention it deserves.' 6 Model Bella Hadid consumes sea moss as part of her morning wellness routine. Tiktok/@babybella Also called Irish moss, the red algae grows abundantly along the rocky shores of the Atlantic ocean. For years, it was mainly harvested for extracting carrageenan, a jelly-like substance widely used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. But lately, A-listers and TikTok wellness warriors have declared sea moss a superfood in its own right, turning the humble seaweed into a multi-billion-dollar industry. What are the benefits of sea moss? The internet may just be catching on to this gelatinous goo, but humans have been eating it for centuries. Research suggests it's been used in Chinese medicine as far back as 600 BC. In the Caribbean, it's been a cold remedy since the 19th century. 'Sea moss is a natural source of essential nutrients like iodine, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C and E,' Manaker, a MegaFood partner, said. 'These nutrients play a role in supporting thyroid health, supporting energy production and promoting healthy skin' 6 When fresh, sea moss is soft and varies in color from greenish-yellow to purplish-brown. Inga – It also contains prebiotic fibers that feed the gut microbiome — key for digestion and overall wellness. With fiber in every serving, sea moss may also give your heart a helping hand by lowering cholesterol, regulating blood sugar and keeping blood pressure in check. And thanks to its vitamin C content, it might even give your immune system a boost. But don't believe every TikTok testimonial just yet: Most of the research into the benefits of sea moss has been done on animals or in test tubes. Experts say more human studies are needed before it can be declared a true superfood. 6 Model Winnie Harlow says her family has been consuming sea moss for generations. Winnie Harlow/Instagram When do the benefits kick in? Manaker said this can vary, but many people see improved digestion or more radiant skin within a few weeks of consistent use. For long-term perks, she recommends adding it to your daily wellness routine. Like most supplements, sea moss works best when you take it regularly. Are there any drawbacks of taking sea moss? 'Sea moss is generally well-tolerated, but like anything, moderation is key,' Manaker warned. Its high iodine content could lead to thyroid problems if you overdo it. Overconsumption may also lead to iodine toxicity, which comes with side effects like nausea, fever, vomiting or a burning sensation in your mouth. 6 Sea moss is primarily sold in dried, gel and capsule forms. tdoes – There's also some evidence that sea moss might thin your blood — so if you're on blood thinners, it's best to steer clear. Manaker also recommends a doctor sign off if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, allergic to seaweed or shellfish, or have thyroid issues. Another potential risk comes from heavy metals. Because sea moss absorbs elements from its environment, it can pick up dangerous toxins like arsenic, mercury and lead — especially when harvested near polluted waters. That's why Manaker said third-party testing of sea moss supplements is a must. 'It verifies that the supplement is free from harmful contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, or other impurities that can sometimes be found in seaweed-based products,' she explained. 6 In the US, sea moss can be found growing off the coast of Maine. Jonathan – How to get sea moss into your diet Sea moss can be mixed into soups, baked goods or smoothies — like Hailey Bieber did when she she teamed up with luxury grocer Erewhon on a Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie in 2022. The $17 drink quickly became a viral hit, with Erewhon selling 40,000 a month at its peak. It can also be used as powder, capsules or supplement blends. Manaker likes MegaFood Sea Moss Complex, which has a concentrated 20:1 extract, 'so you're getting a potent dose without the hassle of preparing it yourself.' It also contains black seed oil and ashwagandha. 6 Hailey Bieber is among the celebrities who have jumped on the sea moss train. Tiktok./@haileybieber What other supplements does sea moss go well with? Manaker said probiotics can complement the prebiotic effects to further support gut health. Omega-3s are another great option, working hand-in-hand with sea moss's antioxidants to keep skin healthy and fight free radicals — one of the main drivers of premature aging. Some supplements, like those with black seed oil, are designed for optimal absorption, which may help your body better take in the nutrients from sea moss.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store