A teenager is commonly classified as a young person within the age group 13-19 years. This means that the person has often greater mental capabilities than a child, but not yet those of an adult.

The adolescent period can be a difficult time for any growing person. There are hormonal changes taking place within the body as the process of puberty takes place, and the young person is stretching out and seeking his or her personal independence and self identity.

At this time it can equally be difficult for the parents, there are often conflicts between parents and teenager, and if the teenager is to reach well balanced maturity it is important that the parents are aware of how to cope with teenagers.

Coping With Teenagers.

Frequently the parent will often forget that they too were once teenagers, and should express a little tolerance when coping with the teenager, especially if he or she has a tendency to be hard headed or stubborn.

  1. Remember that teenagers are no longer children and are forming opinions of their own. Listen to the person and judge what is being said. Even though you may not agree with the opinion, do not treat it with scorn, but point out just how you think the youngster is not quite correct. The teenager will learn and be inclined to share further thoughts with the parent, fully having the confidence that he or she will not continually be ‘slapped down’
  1. Recognize that when the teen is expressing an opinion that it can often be a round about method of seeking advice, or finding out how the parent feels about the teen’s thoughts and plans. Try and identify with the teen in terms of treating the youngster as a young adult rather than an older child.
  1. If the teen is asking questions, try to put yourself in a similar position, but avoid saying “when I was your age I would have done so and so”. Do not forget that times have changed dramatically, and that a generation gap does exist both socially and technically. Respect that the teen is in a ‘new age’.
  1. Do not put labels on the young one, treat the teenager as a unique individual, or resentments will be formed if you start attaching labels, and classifying him or her as just being part of a particular teen group. The teens are seeking their own identity and will hate being labeled in either a positive or negative way.
  1. A small amount of conflict between the teen and the parents is inevitable at this stage of their development. For the parent it is advisable to keep an open mind in all issues, and let the young one know that he or she is loved, and that you are a friend, guide, and advisor as well as being their parent.

For any parent anxious to raise a well balanced, mature, young adult, the most important thing is to always be supportive to the youngster at this critical, confused stage of his or her life.

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