Being a teenager was never easy–the hormones, being on the cusp of adulthood and peer pressure mixed in with a changing body could give any well-settled adult sleepless nights, let alone unprepared children. Add to that modern-day technology, with round the clock social updates, messenger apps, mobile phones and laptops, streaming and gaming, and the whole growing-up process becomes even more complex.
Today’s teenagers are constantly bombarded by media telling them how to look, what to buy and how to behave. At the same time, not much has changed at home, where adolescents, not wanting to be told what to do, constantly try pushing the boundaries set by parents. This can be a difficult time for parents as well, as they have to learn to maneuver through their child’s transition into adulthood with care and understanding.
You don’t want to alienate your child when they are going through these major changes in their lives. It is important to remember that even when he or she is acting out or rejecting you or your beliefs, they are still in need of your support and consideration.
The teen years are a crucial learning time. This is a great time to introduce children to books and films, and for them to get a firmer hold on their education. However, this ability to pick up habits easily can have adverse effects as well. Children should be taught about the negative outcomes of making bad decisions and forming bad habits such as addiction, for example, which can be life-long.
According to research cited on a Myind.com article, teenagers are more susceptible to addictions and vices such as alcohol and marijuana. These substances can have a stronger impact on a young brain than an adult brain. And because these substances have a sedative effect, it negatively impacts learning.
That’s why the teenage years are crucial in building good habits that can last a lifetime. Treat your children with compassion and bring them up in a balance, stress-free environment to help steer them to making the right decisions. Encourage good behavior, habits and productive activities and make sure they get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can affect moods drastically, even causing poor judgment and decision making.
Also encourage your teenager to exercise and take a break from tech gadgets once in a while. With the right attitude and understanding, you can work with them and support them through this exciting and complex time in their lives.
Did you love this article? Did you hate it? Leave a comment below. Please like FamiLife’s page on Facebook so that you get all our articles and others can find us.