I’m a Child Psychiatrist—These 7 Signs in Teen Girls Deserve More Attention

Dr. Willough Jenkins, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, stresses that certain signs in teenage girls require more attention from parents, teachers, and guardians. Teenage girls experience intense emotions due to brain development still in its infancy, often leading to moodiness and withdrawal that parents may misinterpret as serious issues.

One sign she highlights is when girls respond with "I'm fine," which is rarely a brush-off but a way for them to gauge if they are safe to share their feelings. Social pain, such as friend group conflicts and exclusion, is another critical sign that is often dismissed as mere melodrama. Research shows that social rejection physically activates the same brain region as physical pain, and girls sensitive to rejection may show increased activity in this area, predicting depressive symptoms later on.

Another sign is when teenage girls pull away from their mothers, which may appear as rejection but is often a normal developmental stage where they need to become more independent. Perfectionism in teenage girls is often mistaken for diligence but is actually a form of anxiety that learns value is conditional. Parents are advised not to tell girls to stop caring about others' opinions, as this is not actionable advice.

Instead, belonging and connection are essential during adolescence. The seventh sign revolves around open communication; girls who talk openly with their parents tend to have parents who don't make every conversation a cost, showing availability rather than pushing for constant dialogue. Parents should focus on repairing conflicts rather than winning arguments, emphasizing emotional repair over confrontation.