One of the most challenging years that parents have to contend with in a child’s development and growth is when the child reaches the ages of 15 to 17, or teen-ager years. The challenging factor comes from the fact that during these years of development, children manifest different changes and transformations in physical, emotional, social, and even mental manifestations . Aside from internal transformations, teen-agers were reported to view the world as increasingly complex and therefore, reacts and responds according to how they perceive and interpret these challenges. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), “the teen may feel angry, alone and confused while facing complicated issues about identity, peers, sexual behavior, drinking and drugs” . As teen-agers try to face different concerns and issues related to their development stage, parents should be able to show their holistic support by adapting and adjusting to these changes. The current discourse hereby aims to present parenting issues specifically during the teen-ager years.
One of the most common physical or hormonal changes that drive teen-agers wild during this stage of development is the appearance of acne or pimples, being overly zealous about their hairstyle, and trying to find an appropriate outfit to wear in school or when going out with friends. An effective tips for parents, especially those who first encountered these changes from children who just experienced them would be to educate oneself. As emphasized, “read books about teenagersParents who know what's coming can cope with it better. And the more you know, the better you can prepare” .
Other parenting issues involve emotional challenges: showing greater interests in the opposite sex; wanting more independence; spending more time with peers, friends, and lesser time with parents and siblings; and trying to balance a rollercoaster of emotions from elation to depression. As parents, the CDC has recommended finding ways and means to communicate and talk to them regarding addressing emotional issues. Most teen-agers would be apprehensive to share any information about love interests or going into intimate relationships. However, parents should always provide guidance and positive reminders to make them aware of the need to observe proper behavior and decorum at all times. There is always a benefit when guiding reminders are regularly communicated to assert and affirm that parent only want to ensure the safety and positive growth that could be generated in new relationships.
Finally, parents should be aware of issues relating to experimenting on aggressive behavior; trying on smoking, drinking, or drugs; and unfavorable academic conduct. Therefore, as emphasized, parents should “talk with your teen about the dangers of drugs, drinking, smoking, and risky sexual activity Listen to what he says and answer his questions honestly and directly” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Safety First, 2012, par. 4). The difficult part is when children would not disclose any information that is deemed necessary. In these situations, it could be best to seek professional help and assistance when parents suspect untoward behavior and misdemeanor reports have been received from the academic setting or from the local community members.
Overall, parents only want what is best for their children. During the teen-aged years, more challenges are faced due to the rapid physical, social, emotional and mental transformations that are being experienced by children in this stage of development. Thus, it is always beneficial to manifest holistic support and unconditional love to encourage them to surpass these changes and transcend smoothly to the next level of development.
References
American Psychological Association. (2013). Parenting: The teen years. Retrieved from apa.org: http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/teen-years.aspx
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012, August 15). Teenagers (15-17 years of age). Retrieved from cdc.gov: http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/adolescence2.html
The Nemours Foundation. (2013). A Parent's Guide to Surviving the Teen Years. Retrieved from kidhealth.org: http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/growing/adolescence.html#
