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What is Life Insurance?

Life insurance tends to be a difficult topic to address in most households. Ensuring that loved ones are protected in the event of death is a priority for many Canadians. However, about 40 per cent of Canadians do not have life insurance, according to the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association.

There are many reasons people put off thinking about life insurance. It’s complicated to understand or they don’t think they need it just yet. In this article we’re going to focus on the former. Here’s a straightforward list to help answer common questions:

What is life insurance?

Life insurance is a contract between a person (policyholder) and an insurance company. The policyholder pays a premium and in exchange the insurance company gives a lump-sum amount (death benefit) to the beneficiary or beneficiaries assigned to the policy when the person insured on the policy passes away.

What is a premium?

Premium is the amount of money a person pays for their insurance policy. It is typically paid monthly but can also be paid annually.

What is a death benefit?

A death benefit is the lump-sum amount that is paid out to the beneficiary of a life insurance policy when the person insured on that policy dies.

What are beneficiaries and how do I choose them?

Insurance beneficiaries are the people named in a life insurance policy who will receive the policyholder’s death benefit. It can be one person or multiple people. It’s common to choose a spouse or children as beneficiaries to help maintain their lifestyle or help with future financial needs such as school or household payments. Some policyholders may elect to name a charity as their beneficiary.

Key aspects to remember when naming beneficiaries:

If a child who is a minor is the beneficiary, it is recommended to name a Trustee who will receive, in trust, the death benefit under the policy. It can’t be left directly to the minor or their case will go before a judge.

When an individual is named as a beneficiary, the proceeds of the death benefit would be paid out tax free.

In addition to the primary beneficiary appointed we recommend assigning a contingent beneficiary. A contingent beneficiary is a person who would receive the death benefit if the primary beneficiary were to pass away before the person who is insured.

Types of life insurance policies (term vs. permanent)

Understanding the difference between term insurance and permanent life insurance can sometimes be confusing, so let’s review together.

Term insurance for the most part, is more affordable than permanent insurance. This is largely attributed to the shorter coverage period, however the amount of coverage you select for the death benefit will also affect your premium. Term insurance is designed to cover shorter term needs. You can typically get a policy that will cover you between 10 – 40 years. This could be representative of the number of years your children will be financially dependent on you, or the number of years you anticipate you’ll have debt. If at the end of your chosen term you need coverage for a longer period of time, the policy can be renewed but at an increased premium.

Permanent life insurance does not expire and is best suited for those looking for long term coverage, however this typically comes at a higher premium. Permanent insurance has the insurance portion and can also have a cash value. The cash value has to accumulate over time and can be borrowed against. This growth portion is often the key benefit that individuals find valuable in this type of life insurance policy.

Two common types of permanent life insurance are whole and universal life.

What’s the difference between death benefits and cash value?

The death benefit paid from a life insurance policy may be tax-free, and is a lump-sum amount that is paid out once the person insured on the policy is no longer alive. The death benefit can be used for a number of things. Here are a few examples:

  • Replace income
  • Provide for children or dependents
  • Pay for funeral expenses
  • Pay off outstanding debt, including a mortgage

The cash value of a policy is available to the policyholder while they are alive. Cash value is the total amount of premiums paid minus the insurance amount. As noted above, you may have a cash value in a permanent policy like a Whole Life or Universal Life policy.

What is a rider?

Riders are additional types of protection that can be added to your insurance policy. They allow you to customize your life insurance policy to meet your unique needs. For example, if you have small children, you can add a small amount of supplementary life insurance for your children which they can take over when they are older. It allows you to lock in their insurability. What that means is if something changes in their life when they’re older that would make them ineligible for a policy, they would already have this one.

Choosing a life insurance policy that suits your needs and provides for your family is an attainable goal, but having someone on your side to answer questions and give helpful advice will make it easier.

Speak to RBC Life Insurance advisor in your area. Call 1-866-223-7113.
Call 1-866-223-7113.

 

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*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

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The conversation about mental health issues has come a long way. People who suffered from mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disease and others were told things like, “Exercise more,” “You have nothing to be depressed about,” or the even less helpful, “Get over it already!” While society has progressed somewhat in its thinking, there is still stigma attached to mental health disorders, which causes many sufferers not to seek help from the medical establishment or accommodations from their workplaces.

“RBC Insurance is working hard to ensure that we have continued conversation about mental illness to help alleviate remaining stigma. We’re not there yet, but we want to raise awareness that mental illness is a disability just like any other disability,” says Maria Winslow, Senior Director, Life & Health, RBC Insurance.

Here are seven myths about mental health disorders:

Myth 1: “This is all my fault because I am weak.”

Ban the word “weak” from your thinking. (In fact, you are very strong to cope with a very difficult problem.) Mental disorders are biological, not due to a lack of willpower or character flaws. Anxiety, for example, might be caused by chemical imbalances, genetics or environmental effects such as chronic stress or trauma.1 Depression is brought on by a complex interplay between all or some of the following: “Chemical imbalances, faulty mood regulation by the brain, genetic vulnerability, stressful life events, medications, and medical problems,” according to Harvard Health Publishing.2

Myth 2: “I need to hide this from people; no one else has it and I’ll be judged negatively.”

If you think you are all alone with your mental health problems, think again. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, about 50 per cent of the population will have or have had a mental illness by the age of 40.3 A recent RBC Insurance survey found that 30 per cent of Canadians have taken time off of work due to their own mental disability, and seven per cent have taken time off to help a family member or friend who has a mental disability.4

Myth 3: “Mental health issues are not a disability.”

Is mental health a disability? In the RBC Insurance survey, they discovered that 47 per cent of Canadians feel that depression is not a true disability. However, as mentioned before, mental health issues are rooted in biological processes. Psychiatric disorders are different from organic brain damage or learning disabilities. They refer to when mental illness gets in the way of productivity and daily life, and as such, are considered disabilities.5 “Having a mental illness is the same as having a physical injury. Would you judge someone who has to take time off for cancer treatment? No, of course not. This is on the same plane,” says Winslow.

Myth 4: “I can’t go for help because my disability insurance doesn’t cover mental health issues.”

It’s important to know that most disability insurance policies do cover mental health. A few exclude it. So when you’re looking to purchase a policy, make sure you have a conversation with your advisor about what is and isn’t covered. Make sure the policy’s definition of “disability” doesn’t exclude mental health as a reason for paying. “RBC Insurance is the leading disability insurance carrier in Canada. Disability insurance replaces a portion of your income when you are unable to work due to a disability, whether it’s physical in nature or associated with a mental illness,” explains Winslow.

Myth 5: “All disability insurance is the same.”

Disability insurance is not one-size-fits-all. Discuss your needs and goals with your insurance advisor. When you are purchasing the policy, you must decide how long you want to be covered: only two years or continuously until age 65? There are different options to suit your budget, income, desired coverage period, age and other needs. The two-year option may be the most affordable, but consider this: What if you still need the coverage after the insurance expires? Once that two years is up, you can’t renew. Do you have enough savings to cover expenses?

Myth 6: “Wait until you have a problem, then buy disability insurance.”

Disability insurance should be purchased when you are young and healthy, because you are more apt to get the coverage and may be charged less. If you wait until you are in the middle of a crisis, you will not be eligible for coverage.

There may be instances where you can get a disability insurance policy after being diagnosed with an illness but that particular illness would be excluded.

Myth 7: “I can’t take time off from work; my boss would never understand.”

Based on the stigma that still exists around mental health issues, 38 per cent of Canadians who responded to the survey are worried that taking time off from work to recover from mental illness would negatively impact their security/position within their company. And in fact, 25 per cent couldn’t take time off work for a mental disability, because their workplace did not approve it.

Contact your human resources department to learn about their policy and see if they can connect you with someone who can explain what your options are.

Winslow says, “Taking that time to focus on yourself may help you get better sooner and become more productive.”

For any questions you have on disability insurance coverage contact an RBC Life Insurance Advisor close to you.

Sources:

1. “Anxiety Disorders,” Cleveland Clinic. Accessed 7/4/19 my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9536-anxiety-disorders

2. “What Causes Depression?” Harvard Health Publishing. Accesses: 7/4/19 health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/what-causes-depression

3. “Fast Facts about Mental Illness,” Canadian Mental Health Association. Accessed 7/4/19 cmha.ca/fast-facts-about-mental-illness

4. RBC Insurance Disability Survey by Ipsos, January 2018

5. “What is Psychiatric Disability and Mental Illness?” Boston University Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation. Accessed: 7/4/19 cpr.bu.edu/resources/reasonable-accommodations/what-is-psychiatric-disability-and-mental-illness/

 

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*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

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Do you have life insurance? If not, you’re not alone. Many people are confused about the different types of life insurance, which can often stop them from buying a policy. A recent survey from the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) found that only 47% of 25- to 34-year-olds in Ontario have life insurance, and almost half of those (48.6%) say they don’t fully understand their policy.1

If your loved ones depend on you financially, you need life insurance. It can give them the financial security they need by providing them with a tax-free payment in the event of your death that they can use for things like:

  • Covering your funeral expenses
  • Helping them stay in the family home
  • Taking care of childcare expenses or household bills

Which type of coverage is right for me?

Life insurance coverage falls into two broad categories: term and permanent.

Term life insurance provides coverage for a specific period of time and is renewable after the term is up.

Permanent life insurance is designed to provide lifelong coverage. It can be either whole life or universal life insurance.

This may sound confusing, but understanding life insurance doesn’t have to be. Regardless of the different types, all forms of life insurance provide protection against financial loss resulting from death. The chart below explains the different types of life insurance to help you make an educated purchasing decision.

  Term Life Permanent
Whole Life		 Permanent
Universal Life
What’s the age of eligibility? 18-702 0-853 0-853
What’s this coverage ideal for? Offers an easy and convenient way to help protect your family’s financial future for the short term Great if you want lifetime coverage to help protect your family’s financial future for the long term Ideal if you have an interest in investments and want the security of lifetime coverage with the opportunity to save money in a tax-advantaged policy
How long will I be covered for? A set number of years (referred to as a term) – usually 10 to 40 years – with the option to renew at the end of the term Your entire life You’ll have a unique combination of life insurance and investment options to choose from for your entire life
Will the payment to my beneficiary(ies) be tax-free? Yes4 Yes4 Yes4
Will I need a medical exam? May not be required Typically required Typically required
Will my payments increase? Your payments are guaranteed not to change for the entire term; payments will increase at renewal but will then be guaranteed for the entire renewal period No, your payments are guaranteed not to change for life You can choose from various terms and payment options
Is the policy cancellable at any time? Yes Yes (you may receive the savings component of your policy if you cancel it before it’s matured) Yes (you may receive the savings component of your policy if you cancel it before it’s matured)
Is there a money-back cancellation period? No; however if you cancel, you will only pay for the time when you were covered No; however if you cancel, you will only pay for the time when you were covered No

It’s always important to compare life insurance before you buy it. The more you know about the different types of life insurance, the easier it will be to find the policy that best fits your needs.

Still have questions? Talk to an RBC Insurance advisor today.

1) https://www.investmentexecutive.com/news/products/millennials-struggling-to-grasp-insurance/
2) You may apply for term life insurance if you are age 18 to age 70 for terms from 10 to 15 years. For terms over 15 years, the maximum issue age is 85 less the selected term. For example, for a Term 25 policy, the maximum issue age is 60 (85 – 25).
3) There are different options available to you. Please contact us for more information.
4) Note that probate fees are applicable if you have not designated a beneficiary and the proceeds of your policy become part of your estate.

 

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*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

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For more information on how to financially protect your loved ones, or at the very least, cover your final expenses so you don’t burden your family, visit the RBC Life Insurance site or speak to an RBC Insurance advisor.

References:
1. https://www.theloop.ca/dead-facebook-users-will-soon-outnumber-the-living/
2. https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/social-media-what-happens-when-you-die-instagram-facebook-twitter-gmail-pinterest-a8706126.html
3. https://blogs.systweak.com/2018/03/what-happens-to-your-online-accounts-when-you-die/
4. https://www.thedigitalbeyond.com/2018/02/what-happens-to-your-social-media-accounts-when-you-die-our-2018-update
5. https://mashable.com/2014/06/24/social-media-death/#LhtXYPIAaaq8

Planning Your Digital Exit: Life After Death on Social Media

Planning ahead is always a good idea, even when it comes to your digital assets. Although it may seem trivial or unimportant, making arrangements for your online accounts in the event of your death can protect your data and aid your loved ones in managing your digital inheritance.By the year 2065, living users will be outnumbered by deceased.1Dormant accounts continue to be tagged, receive friend requests and even birthday wishes.1

Some Accounts are Forever

Did you know that many of your social networking accounts will never deactivate unless there is a formal legal request?

Sites that require legal authorization to gain access to, and/or close an account:FacebookInstagramPinterestTwitterLinkedInMicrosoft

Frozen in Time

Facebook and Instagram allow for a social media profile to be memorialized when someone’s passing is reported by a friend or family member. That means that after you’re gone, your account will still be visible as it was before you died, whilst protecting it from being erased or tampered with.2

Forward Thinking

Some proactive sites have begun instituting new policies which help users plan ahead. Personally customized security settings can trigger instructions for your account after an extended period of inactivity.3

Facebook – An appointed “Legacy Contact” can post an archive on your behalf.4

Google – “Inactive Account Feature” lets you choose a trusted contact who can access your account.5

How To Plan Ahead

Not having a plan could leave your digital property vulnerable to tampering, and the risk that your personal and sensitive photos and messages could be shared. The right plan can protect the loved ones you leave behind from the emotional strain of dealing with this kind of exposure.Designate a legacy or trusted contact wherever possible using a site’s security settingsAuthorize a legal Power of Attorney in your will. If you don’t have a will, or need more information about the importance of estate planning, visit: https://www.rbcfinancialplanning.com/estate-planning.html

In addition to getting your digital affairs in order, you’ll want to ensure that your financial ones are too. Whether you have dependents or not, having a will and power of attorney is important to an estate plan and should also include life insurance. For more information on how to financially protect your loved ones, or at the very least, cover your final expenses so you don’t burden your family, visit: https://www.rbcinsurance.com/en-ca/life-insurance/

References:
1. https://www.theloop.ca/dead-facebook-users-will-soon-outnumber-the-living/
2. https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/social-media-what-happens-when-you-die-instagram-facebook-twitter-gmail-pinterest-a8706126.html
3. https://blogs.systweak.com/2018/03/what-happens-to-your-online-accounts-when-you-die/
4. http://www.thedigitalbeyond.com/2018/02/what-happens-to-your-social-media-accounts-when-you-die-our-2018-update
5. https://mashable.com/2014/06/24/social-media-death/#LhtXYPIAaaq8

RBC Life Insurance

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*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

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Learn more about home insurance options or speak with an RBC Insurance advisor to make sure you and your partner are covered in your new home together.

Call 1-877-749-7224

Thinking about moving in together? Important conversations to have with your partner.

If you and your partner are thinking about moving in together, here are a few things you should consider.

Getting Started

1. Moving in with your partner opens a door to another level of intimacy. The best thing you can do to ensure everything falls into place is to be prepared. This means taking the time to sit down and discuss the details with your partner.

2. Do you sleep with the TV on? Is one of you a neat freak while the other is messy? Try to make an effort to adapt together. If chores and cleanliness become an issue, try assigning responsibilities and making time to complete them together.

Open Up

3. It may not be easy to talk about, but it’s crucial to be on the same page about your soon-to-be joint expenses and money history.

4. Make sure you have a clear plan on how to split your expenses from the beginning and consider using an app like Splitwise to make calculations.

5. It might seem overly formal, but documenting who is responsible for what will help you stay honest to your intent when you choose to share expenses.

6. While every province has different rules about common law relationships, it’s important to note that once your status changes, in many cases your insurance and taxes could be considered the same as a married couple.

Your New Abode

7. Different neighbourhoods can have different impacts on your tenant or home insurance, so talk to an advisor to get a clear picture.

8. If you’re renting, make sure both of your names are on the lease. If one of you already owns the home, you can sort out how to split the mortgage payments but ultimately, it will be the owner’s name on the title.

Your Assets

9. You’ll likely need to make space for each other, so you’ll have to decide what stays and what goes. Let your partner know about what you can and can’t part with.

10. Make sure your home or tenant insurance plans cover the new, combined value of your belongings. If you share a vehicle, you should talk about driving records, as your premiums could go up if your partner has a bad driving record.

Additional Sources

https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/update-your-marital-status-canada-revenue-agency.html

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Get a free online quote* for coverage to protect you, your property, and your belongings from the unexpected.

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*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

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Young adolescents face a multiplicity of changes associated with this developmental stage. These changes include cognitive, physical, psychological and social growth. Each youngster has of course, unique characteristics. In general, however, during this phase of development, young adolescents tend to fluctuate between childhood and emerging maturity in several areas. As such, the transition into adolescence tends to bring about rapid changes and new capacities.

The first area of growth involves physical development with its gender specific characteristics. As children enter puberty, they may have concerns about how they are changing. They may have uneasy feelings about maturing too fast and looking different than many of their friends. Others may worry about the fact that their friends are growing up faster, and may feel that they are lagging behind in some way.

The second area of growth is associated with cognitive development. Young adolescents are gradually moving from more concrete thinking to more formal, abstract thought. Periods of growth and periods of plateau typify this stage. In earlier years, children are interested in facts and skills. With the development of higher order thinking capabilities, adolescents generally become more involved with values. They learn to hypothesize and try to relate issues to personal experiences; start to have a better understanding of the past; become more interested in social issues; begin to plan for the near future and become more self-conscious about their social position and how others react to them.

The third area of development relates to the social/emotional growth of adolescents. They may experience a range of powerful emotions and reactions to events and people as their sense of identity emerges. Adolescent self-awareness and self-absorption may be related to confusion and subjective descriptions of self. They may also experience conflicting feelings about the self, authority and independence. For example, feelings of discomfort related to physical growth may result in moodiness. Sensitivity to body image may be expressed at times as bragging about appearance. Negative comments may also result in exaggerated reactions which seem dramatic to the adults in their lives.

The developmental tasks facing adolescents include: (a) a gradual acceptance of one’s physique and sexual role, (b) attainment of emotional independence, (c) preparation for choice making and the future, (d) establishment of new friendships and social contacts, and (e) building values and morals. These tasks are a tall order for youngsters who broaden their understanding, knowledge, values and interests while coping with their own confusion, transitions, and expectations of others in their lives.

As a result, their developmental needs include: (a) freedom intellectually to explore, question and at times challenge, (b) positive communication, (c) supportive attitudes, (d) greater autonomy, (e) acceptance by peers and adults, (f) a clear value system, (g) psychological security and a sense of competence, and (h) opportunities to test their beliefs, exercise choices and new capacities.

When these types of needs are met consistently, adolescents tend to develop better coping skills, resiliency, and higher self-esteem. This means that they evaluate their qualities and attributes more positively and feel well integrated within their social reference group. Because self-esteem and validation are important within the home and school environments, educational goals across the curriculum aim to develop in students self reliance, adaptability, responsibility, problem-solving abilities, effective communication skills, realistic self-appraisal and esteem for others. Strong home/school ties are an important partnership in supporting the adults of tomorrow.

As parent(s), if you observe that your adolescent looks uncharacteristically withdrawn, or unusually preoccupied, know that many resources are available for consultation and follow-up. Consult with the mental health professionals at your child’s school, including the School Support Team. Online free resources developed with input from psychologists can provide you with support and guidance for interventions. See for example, The ABCs of Mental Health. It is a bi-lingual free resource for teachers, and parents addressing the needs of children and youth up to age 18. The Psychology Foundation of Canada has many free online resources, including www.StressStrategies.ca

 

Ester Cole: Reprint with permission. Dr. Ester Cole is a psychologist in private practice in Toronto providing services to school-age children, youth, families and schools. She was the chair of The Psychology Foundation of Canada and the Parenting for Life program, and the past president of the Ontario Psychological Association and the Canadian Association of School Psychologists. She has published and lectured widely, and has been active on committees provincially, nationally and in the American Psychological Association. Follow The Psychology Foundation on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and visit psychologyfoundation.org to access various resources for parents to support the promotion of your child’s mental well-being.

 

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*Home and auto insurance products are distributed by RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. and underwritten by Aviva General Insurance Company. In Quebec, RBC Insurance Agency Ltd. Is registered as a damage insurance agency. As a result of government-run auto insurance plans, auto insurance is not available through RBC Insurance in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

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For many families, adolescence can be a stormy season. Hormones, high school, and first heartaches can make life confusing, even to the most cool-headed kid. It isn’t just tough on teens though, it can be a trying time for parents too.

Learning to decode baffling new behaviors, determining when to offer support and when to step back, how to resolve conflicts, and the best way to respond to signs of trouble can be overwhelming and frustrating. It can leave moms, dads, and caregivers with an awful lot of questions.

Why is My Teen So Moody?

Growing up isn’t exactly easy. Dr. Ester Cole, a psychologist, author, and teacher who treats school-age children and youth, understands the transition to teen-dom to be a major cognitive, physical, psychological, and social undertaking. She points to the many major changes occurring in adolescents:

  • Attaining emotional independence
  • Preparing for choice-making and the future
  • Establishing new friendships and social contacts
  • Building values and morals, and
  • Gradually accepting one’s changing physique and sexual role.

In other words, your child has a pretty intimidating growth-related to-do list. Cole goes on to explain, “These tasks are a tall order for youngsters who broaden their understanding, knowledge, values, and interests — while coping with their own confusion, transitions, and expectations of others in their lives.”

While these radical changes may not account for all the door slamming and eye rolling, these changes may be responsible for more than a few extra feelings.

How Can I Help?

Knocking on that firmly shut, not-so inviting bedroom door might seem like a fool’s errand to a parent or guardian, but offering support and understanding may be critical in addressing your child’s developmental needs. Cole points to drives like increased autonomy, positive communications, a clear value system, a sense of competence, and the opportunity to test personal beliefs and make choices, as some of the longings children may experience during adolescence.

Providing affirmation and encouragement, granting trust and exercising patience, are all ways a parent may foster personal growth and create a positive environment.

Though it may not be easy to keep calm and parent on through the ups and downs, a healthy relationship with you may have a big impact on the decisions your child makes. A 2015 study published in the Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience showed that increases in positive parent-child relationships contribute to declines in adolescent risk-taking. Who knows? Being in-tune with your teen may mean you don’t need to hide the car keys.

What If It’s More Than Just Moodiness?

Moodiness may be normal for some adolescents, but an unusual behavior could signal a more serious issue. According to the 2015 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey, one-third (34%) of students indicated a moderate-to-serious levels of psychological distress, and one-in-seven (14%) reported their levels to be serious. As a parent, it can be difficult to distinguish between the usual teenage ennui and a potential symptom of a larger problem. Dr. Cole advises that if your child is “uncharacteristically withdrawn, or unusually preoccupied” it may be time to seek extra support.

Where Can I Find Support?

Proper diagnosis and treatment may be extremely effective in managing the symptoms of mental illness. One study cited by the Canadian Mental Health Association showed that, with help, up to 80% of people who suffer from depression are able to return to their regular daily activities.

To start, Cole recommends “Consulting with the mental health professionals at your child’s school, including the School Support Team.” An SST is a task force made up of teachers and staff who design plans and systems to help any student who may be struggling in the school environment. In addition, your family physician may also be able to place a referral to an accredited psychologist or specialist.

For more information on support children through the tumultuous teen years and beyond, check out Cole’s, “Understanding Young Adolescents.” For parent and caregiver education, free resources such as the ABCs of Mental Health and The Psychology Foundation of Canada’s Stress Strategies also provide information on various disorders, treatments, and tools.

When the moods swing and the manners march out the door, parenting through puberty can seem near impossible but with a little understanding, support, and patience, both you and your child can ride out the storm together.

There are different aspects of your health and it’s important to be aware of and take care of each of those areas. Speak to an RBC Insurance Advisor near you about health insurance. Or call us at 1-866-262-7920.

 

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This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

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Family Health and Wellness Parenting Relationships

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