Adolescence is a trying time

Adolescence is a trying time for both the teenager and their parents. During this time in a child’s life their peers take a more centralized role in their life. The desire to please and fit in with their peers often outweighs the influence of their family. Many teens have the desire to break away from their parents in their attempt to find their “own identity.

This is a time of growth and change. Young people are experiencing physical, emotional and intellectual changes. They are testing their new reasoning skills daily, frequently in battles with authority figures. They are experiencing new feeling both emotional and physical for members of the opposite sex, and they are coping with the changes that they see in their body as puberty hits full speed. Simultaneous to these physiological changes, teenagers are being given more responsibility and independence at home and at school, and are learning how to manage it. This is an exciting and scary time for one and all.

With all the stress, change and pressure that adolescents feel, it is not uncommon for problem behavior to arise. Experimentation and peer pressure can land a young adult in situations that he or she is not prepared to handle. As many advances as they are making intellectually, they are not yet adults. Teens are therefore bound to have some missteps along the way. Areas of particular concern for parents include academic problems, drug and alcohol use, reckless behavior, depression and eating disorders. While it is important to watch for warning signs of growing problems, parents should not be overly controlling. Teenagers must be allowed to learn from their mistakes. On the other hand, when problems are escalating parents should feel comfortable seeking help to ensure the health and safety of their children.