Communication with Peers
This type of listening means giving your full attention, making eye contact, and not interrupting
Active Listening
This gives you some time to cool down away from the pressure of the situation.
Time Out
This part of your brain helps you make decisions, plan, and control impulses
Prefrontal Cortex
These are changes in mood, thought or behavior, and may be signs of a mental health challenge
Warning Signs
This is the first step when you need help from an adult -it means deciding to open up and share what's going on.
Reaching out or asking for help
Type of feedback focuses on helping someone improve by being honest, specific, and respectful instead of critical and mean
Constructive Feedback
It releases natural chemicals that help you let go of tension and feel better.
Exercise
It develops faster than the thinking part
Limbic System
A common disorder among teens that involves intense worry that can interfere with daily life
Anxiety
This type of communication means being honest and respectful when talking about your thoughts and feelings
What is assertive communication
These are personal rules that help define what kind of treatment you are comfortable with
Boundaries
Helps tackle future stressors and gives you a sense of control over the situation
Plan Ahead
The brain continues to develop till about this age.
25
This mood disorder involves persistent sadness and loss of interest
Depression
When you talk to an adult, using this kind of statement helps you express feelings without blaming
I statements
To listen to understand
Active Listening
It helps you to get some distance to think things through and review your progress.
Write it out
The feel-good chemical released when we experience something enjoyable
Dopamine
An emotion that hides underneath anger and can make people withdraw or act irritable when they are really feeling hurt
Sadness
This skill helps you stay calm, focused, and clear when discussing things with adults
Emotional Regulation / Staying Calm
This part of communication includes facial expressions, gestures, and posture, and often says more than words
Non-verbal Communication
Watching Football
Gabriela's favorite thing to do
This relaxation technique can calm your brain's stress response
Deep Breathing / Mindful Breathing
This is how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life
Mental Health
Adults can't always tell what you are thinking and feeling, which is why it is important to do this clearly
What is communicating directly or speaking up
Maintaining eye contact, nodding, leaning slightly forward, and not interrupting all show you’re engaged. On Zoom, that might mean looking at the camera, muting yourself while listening, or using affirming reactions
What are some nonverbal signs that show you’re actively listening to your friend?
Writing down your thoughts or feelings in this can help you release stress and understand your emotions better.
What is journaling?
Getting 8–10 hours of this each night helps the brain process memories and manage emotions.
What is sleep?
Feeling nervous before a test or performance is normal, but when it happens a lot and interferes with life, it might be this condition.
What is anxiety?
When you talk to an adult, it helps to make this kind of contact to show you’re listening and confident.
What is eye contact?
It means paying attention when your friend talks, not interrupting, and showing you care by nodding or saying things like, “I get that.”
What does it mean to be a good listener?
Teens can boost their mood naturally by doing this for at least 20 minutes a day — walking, dancing, or playing sports all count.
What is exercise?
This soft, wrinkly organ inside your skull is the control center for your body and mind.
What is the brain?
This kind of professional can listen, give support, and teach coping skills — you might find them at school or in the community.
Who is a counselor or therapist?
If you don’t understand what an adult is saying, it’s okay to do this instead of pretending you know.
What is ask questions or ask for clarification?
Let them know you’re there for them. You can say, “That’s okay, I’m here if you want to talk later.
What should you do if your friend is upset and doesn’t want to talk?
Turning off your phone or limiting screen time before bed can reduce this common stress symptom that makes it harder to focus in class.
What is lack of sleep or poor sleep?
The brain changes and grows fastest during two times in life — early childhood and this stage.
What is adolescence (the teen years)?
This simple action — taking a few slow breaths and focusing on your inhale and exhale — can help calm your body and mind.
What is deep breathing or mindful breathing?
Before you share something personal, it helps to think about this — whether the adult is safe and trustworthy to talk to.
What is trust or safety?
Stay calm and say, “Let’s take a break and talk about it later.” It helps both people cool off and think clearly.
What is how can you stop a small disagreement from turning into a big fight?
This healthy habit — eating balanced meals and drinking plenty of water — helps your brain and body handle stress better than skipping meals or relying on caffeine
What is good nutrition?
The teen brain develops from the back to the front — meaning this skill, controlled by the front part, is one of the last to mature.
What is decision-making or self-control?
True or False — Only adults can have mental health challenges.
What is False — anyone, including teens, can experience them.
When a teen and an adult listen and try to understand each other’s point of view, it’s called good what?
What is good communication?
Would you rather text or talk on the phone?
What are ways to communicate with friends?
Spending time with friends, joining a club, or talking to people who make you feel safe and understood helps lower this heavy feeling that often comes with stress.
What is loneliness?
Because the brain is still developing, teens often feel emotions more strongly and react more quickly — this is called what kind of thinking?
What is emotional or reactive thinking?
This type of thinking focuses on what’s going well and helps you find small good things even on tough days.
What is positive thinking?
Adults are more likely to listen when you show this — it means you’re taking responsibility for your words and actions.
What is maturity or respect?