Helping Teens Through Challenges

Forceful mood swings, rebelliousness, slamming doors and sulking are often behaviors associated with teens. Teenagers face a lot during this phase of development such as changing looks, desperately wanting to be accepted by peers, hormone changes etc. It can be a lot to navigate for them as well as for parents. It may seem as if all you are doing is arguing. If you are raising a teenager, you know these are just a few of the challenges that today’s parents face on a day-to-day basis.

Adolescence can be a difficult stage of development due to hormones and immense physical changes. Parents are often born a few decades before teens, growing up in a different culture, maybe even without high-speed internet or social media. This can make things even more challenging when trying to understand some of their everyday challenges. Though they still worry about acne, passing school tests and feeling as if they fit in, there are other concerns that may vie for their attention.

You may not readily understand some of their problems. Conversely, your teen may not find it easy or feel comfortable sharing with you what’s bothering them. What can you do to break down the walls that stand between you? How can you understand them? How can you be proactive? These are some of the many questions you may be asking yourself, you aren’t alone.

The Roller Coaster Teen Ride

With their maturing mind and new brain development, teens can be more cerebral, reasoning out and justifying every decision or want they have. They may be becoming more argumentative which can be mistaken as a sign of rebelliousness.

As hormones continue to change, their mood may dramatically shift. They may change so much that they seem like a different person. Your teen may become impulsive, defiant and difficult to talk to or please. They may also experience insecurities and become fearful of rejection.

Technology can add another layer for concern. Their quest for independence and self-identity can take them outside their comfort zones. Challenging these comfort zones can lead to growth and new experiences, however, it can also be a roller coaster ride. Not all technology is good.

The Power of Technology

Technology is ‘the power that is’ in this millennium. Incredible new gadgets and innovations are coming out each day. Whether you are in the medical or healthcare industry, transportation, military, or education, great changes are occurring because of technology. For teens, having access to endless information, being connected to everyone at all times, and non-stop entertainment can be exciting, and addictive. Adult guidance is extremely important to keep them away from potential dangers.

Considering the enormous value of technology. It is difficult to imagine life without it. Communicating in real time is possible despite the differences in time zones and geography. Doing research with the use of the technologies can provide invaluable information (if reputable resources are used of course). With every single facet of their life being influenced by tech, from learning to the manner they interact, it is a ‘must have,’ a must keep,’ for every teen.

The use of technology can become problematic. It can be a serious concern for most parents, as it can change their values and character. Addiction to technology is serious. This can look like excessive internet use, social media addiction, cyberbullying, and many other concerning behaviors.

Peer Pressure and Bullying

In this millennium, peer pressure and bullying are of great concern. You may not, however, readily recognize the signs that your teen is struggling with peer pressure or bullying. This is because cyberbullying can go undetected unless it is reported by those involved.

Since being ‘in’ these days means online visibility, your teen may be vulnerable to cyberbullying. It is likely that your child will insist on having social media accounts. They will likely want to communicate with their peers through social media or mobile phones and to post interesting events in their lives through them. While there is no doubt that this can be a valuable mode of communication, it can also be extremely detrimental.

Peers who have poor self-image may “attack” others using social media to their advantage. Social media can also be used to advance hostility and competitiveness among teens. Your teen may also feel overly powerful and become the bully, bullying their weaker peers. There are a number of things to keep an eye out for that may not have been the same as when you were a teen.

 

Reconnecting with Your Teen

Teen years can be remarkably challenging, though this does not always have to be in a negative way. You can be there to guide them and help them. It can be difficult to break down the walls that stand between you and your teen. You may find yourself feeling angry, confused or scared. You aren’t alone. Therapy can help.

There are teen concerns that will endure through generations. Then there are those that will be born out of the unique conditions that may define the era. In this millennium, peer pressure and bullying persist, but have taken different forms. Information technology is also creating other problems such as internet addiction, development of low self-esteem, eating disorders, loss of interest in other areas of life, gaming addiction, etc.

You can help your teen during this transition. You can do it on your own, you can also help them with the assistance of an experienced counselor independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC (N. Main St.). Counseling can be extremely helpful for you and your teen. Your teen can also have an unbiased counselor to talk to when things in the world are difficult to face. Call CCS today to schedule an appointment.

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