Some Notes on Your Adolescent’s Behavior

The adolescent years (12 to 17) are the in-between years when a pre-teen or teen is neither a child nor an adult. These are the years of many physical and emotional changes which cause confusion and frustration for both parent and adolescent.

These are exciting years for the young person seeking independence. They can also be scary years for the adolescent who has to give up the security of childhood, and take on the responsibilities of young adulthood.

The adolescent stage can take a long time. It’s a tough job; the teenager needs the help and understanding of his parents if he/she is going to emerge as a responsible and caring person.

Misunderstandings can sometime make it hard for parents and teenagers to get together during the adolescent years. Your child, who is trying to gain a new sense of individuality and independence, may reject your help and reach out to his or her friends. The teen may view her parents as adults who are trying to hold her back, tell her what to do, and restrict her freedom.

Parents may also be confused or frightened by the sudden changes in their adolescent. They may be impatient with this new challenge to their authority. They may be upset with her changing moods. They may worry about his activities with his friends - especially since he is less willing to tell his parents what he feels, where he is going, who he is with, and what he is doing.

Think of adolescent growth as a puzzle, although each piece is different, each stage builds on the previous one. When the last piece is snapped in place, you have the satisfaction of knowing you helped to create a beautiful, unique and wonderful human being.