New data from Cleo’s Family Health IndexTM—a measure of seven dimensions of family health that enables early, targeted interventions—shows that parents of older children and teenagers are struggling the most.
Although the n size of families per stage varies significantly across the different member/child life stages, there seems to be an overall trend of decline in Family Health IndexTM score over time, as the child ages. By their own scoring, out of all Cleo families taking the initial Family Health IndexTM assessment, prior to receiving Cleo support, families with teenagers scored lowest on confidence, caregiver burden, self-care, general health, mental health, connectedness, and family support.
Luckily, parents of teens whose employer offers Cleo Teens are supported with:
- General preteen and teenage parenting support, including scripting and communication tips
- Addressing issues related to mental health or emotional distress
- Discussing peer stressors, social media, and bullying
- Difficult or mature conversations (e.g., substance use, eating disorders, self-harm)
- Education related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and sexual safety
- Guidance related to motivation and academic achievement
- Planning for the future (e.g., college planning, career coaching)
- Mental health and wellness of the teenage parent themselves
- and much more
“Those articles were absolutely spot on, so thank you so much. I wanted to thank you again for your absolutely invaluable support over the last few months. It was so nice to be able to talk to you with such openness and to receive such great ideas and help. I feel much stronger for having had your support.”
Cleo member and parent of a neurodivergent teenager