Like millions of teenagers, Terri did not enjoy high school. In her case unfortunately, her weight became an unending source of torture.

Terri says, “Kids let me know daily that I was overweight, that I was worthless, and that I was someone that was always the object of jokes.”

Even popular teens who enjoy high school have a couple of strikes against them. One is the physiological changes taking place in their bodies, which can wreak havoc on their emotions and self-confidence. Then there’s the natural push for independence, which sets up conflict.

Glenn Lutjens – counselor, Focus on the Family says, “The parents are still seeking to hold the child accountable, what are some of the influences that my teen son or daughter are getting into, and so there is I think just by the very nature of that some tension that does develop.”

Conflict with parents, emotions on a rollercoaster – add in another element, like being constantly teased at school, and you have a recipe for hating the high school years.

Terri says, “I always felt like I was on the outside looking …looking at the way we were supposed to be, that I was never - never allowed to be on the inside of any of that.”

If your teens are miserable in high school, come alongside them. If there are things they can change, help them do so. But no matter what, remind them that they’re not alone, and high school is just a brief stop on life’s journey.

Terri says, “To realize that your whole future is in front of you. This phase of their life is not going to last forever.”

Those words might not be that comforting to your teen, because it’s difficult for them to look beyond high school. But keep reminding them, this too shall pass.