‘Hey Mom! I bought this pair of jeans two months back and they are already short for me!’
Parents of teenagers would be more than familiar with such statements. You guessed it right!
I am talking about the growth spurt of adolescents.
Adolescence is the age from 10-19 years. It is a period of transition from childhood to adulthood. It is an age when kids are fast outgrowing their clothes and going through many changes in their physical appearance, thinking, socialization and emotions. Adolescence is a critical period for the development of self-identity.
As the children are trying to understand the world from their own perspective, they may be faced with several challenges. These include navigating social pressures, career choices, academics, physical changes, and societal norms. As parents, we can facilitate skill development and help our child sail through this turbulent period smoothly. Parents can aid their children in developing life skills like self-awareness, effective communication, and refusal techniques. By being good role models, parents can demonstrate effective stress management strategies, decision making skills and teach kids ways to make their own healthy choices.
This is a stage of transition for parents as well. As parents, we need to empower ourselves with skills to navigate this phase successfully. Adolescents, as they grow, are developing their own concepts and opinions about their surroundings. Friends may take precedence over family and conflict may arise over how much freedom is allowed. Awareness of our own emotions and learning to cope with them become essential skills for parents. This is a stage when children need the support and guidance of parents. So, learn to keep the channels of communication open and build a strong interpersonal relationship with them.
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The parents must set e examples before their children from birth, from their co spaciousness developing stage and more so In their adolescence. These examples can range from family environs to attitude towards senior citizens in the house to domestic helps, service providers, support staff, philanthropy ad infinitum. Kindly include these aspects as well; in fact these are the only issues a child can grow up healthily in body, mind and heart.
Thank you for your valuable feedback and inputs Sarkara!
Undoubtedly, parents are role models for their children and kids learn several of their life skills and values by observing their parents.
The sincere involvement of parents in our interactive workshops helps them reflect on their own parenting style and understand the child’s perspective.
Thank you for sharing. It’s an interesting read. If parents of teenagers have trust and unconditional love in their children, then half of the battle is already won. Looking forward for your next blog Ma’am.
Glad you found the article interesting Suneela! Yes, trust & mutual respect will give an edge to build strong bonds with our children.