The stereotype of typical teens is disturbing to a parent and the conjuring images are so disturbing that every parent wishes they could protect their angelic little one from everything. But every child must grow up and go through these teenage years.
It is in the hands of the parents to cushion the difficult phases, soften the harsh realities and provide support so that the child can deal with their physiological and psychological changes with ease.
A child has some innate traits that can be attributed to genetic and hereditary factors, but many others that can be significantly shaped by parents and caregivers.
1. Adolescence is the phase of identity formation
It is the moment when children begin to perceive the world on their own and often encounter a different picture from that painted by their parents and caregivers.
This makes him think, and he realizes that he has his own preferences and choices, which is actually his first identity formation initiative. Right or wrong, at this stage he wants to stick to his choices and arguing about them is a futile exercise.
2. The onset of puberty and physical changes
Adolescence is also marked by noticeable physical changes, growth spurts with brain development and the child losing baby fat as they grow.
Many children appear clumsy, with long hands and feet. Puberty or physical maturity is an aspect of physical growth that focuses on the development of sexual organs and hormonal changes.
In boys, it manifests itself in the growth of their sexual organs, pubic and facial hair, as well as a change in voice. In girls, puberty leads to pubic hair growth, breast development, and menarche.
Or the beginning of the menstrual cycle, which marks your transition into womanhood. These changes typically occur between 10-14 in girls and 12-15 in boys.
3. Behavioral changes in adolescents
Blame it on hormonal changes or your peer group, but changes in behavior are the biggest concern for parents and caregivers.
From a behavior of adoration and admiration towards parents and teachers, the child becomes irritable, moody, irritable, critical and argumentative, temperamental and distant, unresponsive, uncooperative and passively resistant.
Parents who have reigned on a pedestal for a decade in your life suddenly become ‘horrible’ and a disgrace with whom he does not wish to be seen. There is an element of rebellion against being corrected, disciplined or reprimanded, and even more so if it comes from parents.
4. Abstract thinking of teenagers
The development of a teenager's brain makes them think beyond the physical attributes of things. The focus is on conceptualizing, searching for veiled meanings that analyze the hidden truth more than evident facts.
Abstract thinking is also a manifestation of a child's intelligence and ability to investigate deeper.
5. Social and emotional pressures
All parents should understand that teenagers are under immense pressure on many fronts. They now want to see themselves as socially acceptable, especially by their peers.
Their appearance becomes a sensitive issue and they are extremely self-conscious. Emotionally, they are sensitive and confused, exhibiting erratic changes in the stands.
At some points they may appear grown up and mature and within a few minutes exhibit very childish behavior.
6. Adolescent performance pressures
Today's teenagers face a highly competitive world where they need to perform well to gain acceptance. Thus, performance includes not only academic activities but also sports and social activities, and pressure results from unrealistic expectations that exceed even the child's ability.
Final Considerations About Our Teenagers
All parents need to be well aware of these typical traits, some or all of which can be found in their own children. Accepting them, rather than trying to push them away, is a preferable stance.
